Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday flagged off India’s first Vande Bharat Sleeper Train, the Howrah–Guwahati Vande Bharat Express from Malda Town station in West Bengal, in a major boost to long-distance passenger mobility and rail modernization.
The new Vande Bharat Sleeper Train is designed to serve longer inter-city routes while offering the comfort of air-conditioned sleeper coaches alongside modern amenities typically found in premium train services. The inaugural run on the Howrah–Guwahati corridor underscores the government’s focus on enhancing connectivity between eastern India and the Northeast.
Railway officials highlighted that the sleeper variant adds greater flexibility to the Vande Bharat fleet by catering to overnight and long-distance passengers, combining higher speeds with comfort features such as ergonomic seating, onboard infotainment, improved safety systems and enhanced ride stability.
The introduction of the Vande Bharat Sleeper is part of Indian Railways’ broader modernization drive, aiming to expand premium train services, reduce travel times and bolster the passenger experience across major long-haul routes. Officials say the service will support increased tourism and trade between key regions, while providing travelers with a faster and more comfortable alternative to conventional express trains.
