The Ministry of Railways announced that India’s first Vande Bharat Sleeper train will begin operations between Guwahati and Kolkata, marking a significant step in modernising the rail network. Following the success of Amrit Bharat trains for non-AC passengers, the Sleeper variant will offer AC-class travellers enhanced comfort and convenience for long-distance journeys.
As of 26th December, 164 Vande Bharat services are operational nationwide. This year, Prime Minister Narendra Modi dedicated 42 railway projects, inaugurated 13, and laid foundation stones for 21 others, collectively valued at over ₹25,000 crore.
Major infrastructure milestones include the completion of the 272-kilometre Udhampur–Srinagar–Baramulla Rail Link, featuring 36 tunnels and 943 bridges, and the 51-kilometre Bairabi–Sairang broad-gauge line in Mizoram, which connects Aizawl to India’s rail network for the first time.
Indian Railways is also enhancing capacity, efficiency, and sustainability through dedicated freight corridors and public–private partnerships to supplement public investment.
On the digital side, Aadhaar verification has been implemented to strengthen the system, and advanced technology has helped prevent e-ticket misuse, with 5.73 crore suspicious or inactive IRCTC accounts deactivated or temporarily suspended.
