PM Modi to launch India's first Kolkata-Guwahati Vande Bharat Sleeper Train soon, check fares

The inauguration is expected to take place within the next 15-20 days, around January 17-18. (Image: ANI/X)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is expected to soon flag off India’s first Vande Bharat Sleeper Train connecting Guwahati and Kolkata, Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw announced on Thursday. Speaking to reporters in Delhi, the minister said preparations are complete and the service is likely to begin later this month.

“The services will become operational in the next 15-20 days, possibly around January 18 or 19. We have requested the prime minister, and everything is clear. I will announce the exact date in the next two to three days,” Vaishnaw said during a press conference.

Fare of sleeper Vande Bharat train

Highlighting affordability, the railway minister said ticket prices have been planned with middle-class passengers in mind, especially in comparison to airfare on the same route. According to him, flights between Guwahati and Howrah generally cost between Rs 6,000 and Rs 8,000. In contrast, he said, “In Vande Bharat, the 3rd AC fare will be around Rs 2,300, including food, 2nd AC around Rs 3,000, and 1st AC around Rs 3,600. The fares have been designed keeping the middle class in mind.”

Vaishnaw described the new sleeper service as a major step forward for long-distance rail travel in India. He said the train has been engineered for a design speed of 180 kmph and will consist of 16 coaches. These include eleven three-tier AC coaches, four two-tier AC coaches and one AC coach. Safety features such as Kavach and an emergency talk-back system have been incorporated.

“The design speed of the train is 180 kmph. It will have 16 coaches — eleven 3-tier, four 2-tier, and one AC, and will be quipped with Kavach and Emergency talk back systems,” the minister said, adding that passenger comfort and hygiene have also been prioritised.

“It also has a special disinfectant technology to ensure high sanitation facilities for passengers. It has aerodynamic exterior looks and automatic exterior passenger doors,” he added.

The Vande Bharat Sleeper Train will operate between Guwahati and Kolkata, enhancing rail connectivity between the Northeast and West Bengal. During its run, it is expected to stop at key stations such as Bandel, Katihar, Malda, New Farakka, New Jalpaiguri, New Coochbehar and New Bongaigaon, among others. Assembly elections are due in Assam and West Bengal later this year.