Vande Bharat Sleeper flagged off: Features, route, timings and more

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday, January 17, flagged off India’s first sleeper Vande Bharat train connecting Howrah and Kamakhya during his two-day visit to West Bengal. The inauguration ceremony

was held in Malda.

Unlike existing Vande Bharat trains that operate as chair-car services, this is the first version designed for overnight travel. The train will run six days a week in both directions, departing Howrah at 6.20 pm and Kamakhya at 6.15 pm, and will complete the journey in about 14 hours.

The service is aimed at making long-distance travel between eastern India and the Northeast more comfortable and time-efficient.

What makes this sleeper Vande Bharat different

The new Vande Bharat is meant for overnight journeys and comes with sleeper coaches instead of only seating arrangements. The interiors of the train were showcased ahead of the launch, highlighting its modern design.

According to the Railways, the train will not have a RAC or waitlist facility, meaning only confirmed ticket holders will be allowed to travel. Fares start at ₹960 and go up to ₹13,300, depending on the class.

Union Railways Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw said local cuisine from Bengal and Assam would be served on board.

How travellers are expected to benefit

The new service is expected to help passengers travelling frequently between West Bengal and Assam by offering a direct overnight option. By cutting down travel time and running at night, the train allows passengers to save daytime hours.

Speaking at the event, Prime Minister Modi said the train connects “the land of Ma Kali with the land of Ma Kamakhya” and added that the new services would bring ease of travel and trade.

He also said foreign nationals are making videos of Indian trains and sharing how the rail system has changed. The Prime Minister added that the Vande Bharat trains are made in India and that Indian Railways is becoming more modern and self-sufficient.

More trains launched from West Bengal

Along with the sleeper Vande Bharat, four other trains were also launched virtually:

• New Jalpaiguri–Nagercoil Amrit Bharat Express


• New Jalpaiguri–Tiruchirappalli Amrit Bharat Express


• Alipurduar–SMVT Bengaluru Amrit Bharat Express


• Alipurduar–Mumbai (Panvel) Amrit Bharat Express

These Amrit Bharat Express trains will connect West Bengal to different parts of the country, including southern and western India.

The launches come at a time when West Bengal is heading towards elections.

Senior BJP leaders, including Sukanta Majumdar, Suvendu Adhikari, and Samik Bhattacharya, were present at the event, along with Governor C.V. Ananda Bose.