New Delhi, January 17, 2026:
Prime Minister Narendra Modi today flagged off India’s first-ever Vande Bharat Sleeper Train, marking a historic milestone in the country’s railway modernization journey. The state-of-the-art train will operate between Howrah Junction and Guwahati, significantly enhancing long-distance overnight travel across eastern and northeastern India.
The inauguration took place at Malda Town railway station, where the Prime Minister formally flagged off the service, while the return journey was launched virtually.
A New Era of Overnight Rail Travel
Unlike earlier Vande Bharat Express services designed mainly for short and medium distances, the Vande Bharat Sleeper Train is tailored for long-distance journeys. Covering approximately 968 kilometers, the train is expected to complete the Howrah–Guwahati route in around 14 hours, offering a faster and more comfortable alternative to conventional overnight trains.
This new service is set to transform rail travel for passengers commuting between West Bengal, Assam, and other northeastern states.
World-Class Comfort and Modern Features
The Vande Bharat Sleeper Train brings together speed, safety, and comfort with advanced onboard facilities, including:
- Fully air-conditioned sleeper coaches
- Ergonomically designed comfortable berths
- Enhanced safety systems and modern rail technology
- Smooth, noise-reduced travel experience
These features aim to provide passengers with a premium overnight journey, comparable to global standards.
Train Numbers and Operations
The service will operate under the following train numbers:
- 27575 – Howrah to Kamakhya
- 27576 – Kamakhya to Howrah
The train will be operated by the Indian Railways, under the Northeast Frontier Railway zone.
Strengthening Connectivity to the Northeast
The launch of the Vande Bharat Sleeper Train is a major step toward improving connectivity with India’s northeastern region. It not only reduces travel time but also promotes economic growth, tourism, and cultural exchange by providing faster and more reliable transportation.
A Milestone in Indian Railways’ Transformation
With this launch, Indian Railways enters a new phase of innovation by combining semi-high-speed travel with sleeper-class comfort. The Vande Bharat Sleeper Train reflects the government’s vision of building a modern, passenger-centric railway network, and more such sleeper services are expected to be introduced on other long-distance routes in the near future.
This historic rollout signals a new chapter in India’s rail journey—where speed meets comfort, even overnight. 🚆✨
