Vande Bharat sleeper vs flights: Can India’s new train change short-haul travel?

Vande Bharat Sleeper

• Vande Bharat Sleeper Express to run between Guwahati and Kolkata soon
• Train offers 823 seats, advanced comfort, and lower fares than flights
• Service to boost connectivity, trade, and tourism in Assam and West Bengal

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Indian Railways is set to roll out the Vande Bharat Sleeper Express between Guwahati and Kolkata soon, marking a major step forward in long-distance overnight rail travel and strengthening connectivity between the Northeast and eastern India.

According to an official release, the new-generation sleeper train will run with a 16-coach configuration and have a total passenger capacity of 823. The rake will include 11 AC 3-Tier coaches, four AC 2-Tier coaches and one First Class AC coach, offering a range of comfort options for travellers.

Built with a strong focus on passenger comfort, the Vande Bharat Sleeper Express will feature ergonomically designed cushioned berths, advanced suspension systems for smoother rides, noise-reduction technology, automatic doors with vestibules, and a modern Passenger Information System.

Govind Gaur, CEO, WanderOn, said the Vande Bharat Sleeper could significantly reshape travel choices on short- to medium-distance routes.“The Vande Bharat Sleeper can greatly impact travel options on short to medium routes as it bridges the gap between air and train travel.” Highlighting the fare advantage, Gaur pointed to the notified pricing by Indian Railways.

“Indian Railways has notified fares ranging from ₹960 for 3AC, ₹1,240 for 2AC and ₹1,520 for 1AC up to 400 km, rising to about ₹2,400–₹3,800 for journeys of around 1,000 km.”

He said this makes sleeper trains a cheaper alternative to flying on several popular routes. “On routes like Howrah–Kamakhya, which is around 958 km, fares on the Vande Bharat Sleeper are clearly lower than air travel.”

Gaur noted that while flights may appear faster, the overall travel experience often tells a different story.

“Although planes are faster in the air, the time saved is often lost due to airport transfers, security checks and boarding, which can add two to three hours to the overall journey.” He added that trains offer a stronger doorstep-to-destination advantage.

“Trains operate from city centres with minimal paperwork, fewer queues and better last-mile connectivity, making them more convenient for many travellers.”

Sustainability, he said, could be a decisive factor for travellers going forward.

“Small domestic flights emit around 150–200 grams of CO₂ per km per person, whereas electric trains emit just 10–20 grams, making rail travel seven to fifteen times cleaner.”

According to Gaur, this could push more travellers towards sleeper trains. “With rising cost and climate consciousness, the Vande Bharat Sleeper has the potential to emerge as a strong alternative to short domestic flights.”

The train will also include special facilities for Divyangjan passengers, along with contemporary toilets and advanced disinfectant technology to improve hygiene, accessibility and overall onboard experience, the release said.

Safety remains a key highlight of the Vande Bharat Sleeper Express. The train will be equipped with the Kavach automatic train protection system, emergency passenger talk-back units, and a state-of-the-art driver cab fitted with advanced controls.

With its aerodynamic exterior and refined interiors, the train reflects the latest advancements in indigenous rail engineering and design.

The introduction of this service is expected to significantly enhance connectivity between Assam and West Bengal. Key beneficiary districts include Kamrup Metropolitan and Bongaigaon in Assam, and Coochbehar, Jalpaiguri, Maldah, Murshidabad, Purba Bardhaman, Hooghly and Howrah in West Bengal.

The service is expected to support regional mobility while boosting trade, tourism and socio-economic development across the corridor.

The launch of India’s first Vande Bharat Sleeper Express train underlines Indian Railways’ continued focus on innovation, passenger-centric services and the vision of building a modern, future-ready railway network for the country.