India’s First Vande Bharat Sleeper Howrah Kamakhya train Route Launched
India took a significant step in modernising long-distance rail travel on Saturday with the launch of its first Vande Bharat Sleeper Howrah Kamakhya train, connecting Howrah in West Bengal with Kamakhya Junction near Guwahati in Assam. The new service, designed primarily for overnight journeys, marks the next phase of the Vande Bharat programme, extending it beyond chair-car day trains to full sleeper configurations.
The train was flagged off by Prime Minister Narendra Modi from Malda Town in West Bengal, while the return service from Guwahati to Howrah was inaugurated virtually. The launch comes at a time when improving connectivity between eastern and northeastern India has become a strategic priority for economic integration, tourism, and passenger convenience.
A New Chapter in Overnight Rail Travel
Unlike the existing Vande Bharat Express services, which operate mainly as high-speed day trains, the Vande Bharat Sleeper has been built specifically for long-distance night travel. The 16-coach train offers air-conditioned sleeper accommodation across three classes—AC First Class, AC 2-Tier, and AC 3-Tier—aimed at combining speed with comfort.
According to officials, the train is capable of running at speeds of up to 180 kmph, though operational speeds on the Howrah–Kamakhya corridor are expected to range between 120 and 130 kmph due to existing track, signalling, and traffic constraints. Even so, the new service is expected to cut travel time by around 2.5 hours compared to conventional overnight trains on the same route.
Route, Schedule, and Coverage
The Vande Bharat Sleeper Howrah Kamakhya train covers a distance of approximately 968 km and completes the journey in about 14 hours. It runs six days a week in each direction, with weekly maintenance halts. The train serves several key districts across West Bengal, Assam, and parts of North Bengal, including Jalpaiguri, Cooch Behar, Maldah, Murshidabad, and Kamrup Metropolitan.
Railway officials said the timing has been planned to allow passengers to depart in the evening and arrive at their destination the following morning, preserving daytime hours for work, tourism, or onward travel.
Comfort, Safety, and Onboard Features
Passenger comfort has been a central focus of the new sleeper train’s design. The berths are wider and ergonomically designed, supported by advanced suspension systems to reduce vibration during overnight travel. Automatic sliding doors remain closed while the train is in motion, opening only at stations, enhancing both safety and climate control.
Hygiene measures include upgraded linens, towels, and advanced disinfectant technologies designed to maintain high cleanliness standards throughout the journey. Each coach is equipped with modern bio-vacuum toilets and waste management systems.
Safety features include continuous CCTV surveillance, emergency communication systems, and integration with the indigenous KAVACH automatic train protection system, which is designed to prevent collisions and over-speeding. Railway officials described the train as compliant with the latest fire and crash safety standards.
Local Cuisine and Fare Structure
In a departure from traditional rail catering, the Vande Bharat Sleeper offers region-specific meals included in the ticket price. Passengers travelling from Kamakhya to Howrah are served Assamese cuisine, while those on the return journey are offered Bengali dishes, an initiative aimed at promoting local food culture.
Fares have been set to remain competitive with air travel between Kolkata and Guwahati. Ticket prices range from approximately ₹2,300 for AC 3-Tier to ₹3,600 for AC First Class. Officials noted that the pricing includes service charges and onboard amenities, positioning the train as a cost-effective alternative to flying, particularly for overnight travel.
Made-in-India Manufacturing and Technology
The first Vande Bharat Sleeper trainset has been designed and manufactured in India as part of the broader “Make in India” initiative. The prototype rake was produced through collaboration between Indian public-sector manufacturing units, with extensive testing carried out across different sections of the rail network to validate speed, stability, braking, and passenger comfort.
Railway authorities have indicated that multiple manufacturing consortia are being prepared to scale up production, with plans to introduce several more sleeper Vande Bharat services across high-demand corridors in the coming years.
Strategic Importance for the East and Northeast
The Howrah–Kamakhya service holds particular significance for eastern and northeastern India. Faster and more comfortable overnight connectivity is expected to support tourism, including religious travel to Kamakhya, business movement between metro and regional centres, and greater integration of the Northeast with the national economy.
At the same time, some railway observers have pointed out that infrastructure limitations—such as congestion on mixed-traffic routes—will need continued investment to fully realise the train’s speed potential. Officials have acknowledged these challenges, stating that gradual track and signalling upgrades are planned to improve average speeds over time.
Looking Ahead
The launch of India’s first Vande Bharat Sleeper train represents more than the introduction of a new service; it signals a shift in how Indian Railways envisions long-distance overnight travel. By combining modern technology, indigenous manufacturing, and passenger-focused design, the new train sets a template for future premium sleeper services.
As additional routes and trainsets are rolled out, the success of the Howrah–Kamakhya service will likely shape the pace and direction of sleeper train modernisation across the country, offering passengers a faster, safer, and more comfortable way to travel overnight.
