Vande Bharat Sleeper Launch: 12 New Trains Confirmed for 2026; First Route, Fares, and Features Revealed
Indian Railways is set to usher in a new era of overnight travel as Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw officially confirmed the rollout plan for the highly anticipated Vande Bharat Sleeper Train. Addressing the media at Rail Bhawan, the Minister announced that the first rake will be flagged off by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in the second half of January 2026.
This launch marks the beginning of a rapid expansion phase, with eight Vande Bharat Sleeper trains scheduled for the next six months and a total of 12 trains operational by the end of 2026. Guwahati to Howrah: The Inaugural Route
The first-ever Vande Bharat Sleeper service will connect Guwahati (Kamakhya) and Howrah (Kolkata), drastically improving connectivity between the Northeast and West Bengal. Designed to replace traditional long-distance expresses on routes spanning 1,200–1,500 km, this service is expected to reduce travel time by approximately three hours compared to current superfast trains like the Saraighat Express.
The train will cater to key districts including Kamrup Metropolitan, Bongaigaon, Malda, Murshidabad, and Hooghly, offering a seamless overnight journey where passengers depart in the evening and arrive at their destination by early morning.
Vande Bharat Sleeper Fare vs. Air Travel
In a strategic move to attract middle-class travelers and frequent flyers, Indian Railways has opted for a competitive, fixed-fare structure with no dynamic pricing. The estimated one-way fares for the Guwahati–Howrah sector are:
| Class | Estimated Fare (Inclusive of Food) |
| AC 3-Tier | ₹2,300 |
| AC 2-Tier | ₹3,000 |
| AC 1st Class | ₹3,600 |
At these price points, the Vande Bharat Sleeper positions itself as a premium yet affordable alternative to low-cost carriers, especially when considering the inclusion of regional delicacies (Assamese and Bengali cuisine) and the absence of airport transit hassles.
Advanced Features: Speed, Safety, and Comfort
The Vande Bharat Sleeper is not just a variant of the existing chair car; it is a ground-up redesign by BEML and the Integral Coach Factory (ICF).
1. 180 kmph Trial Success
During recent high-speed trials on the Kota–Nagda section, the train successfully touched its design speed of 180 kmph. A viral “water test” shared by Minister Vaishnaw demonstrated the train’s superior stability, where a full glass of water remained steady even at peak speeds.
Middle & low-income families की next-generation सवारी…
— Ashwini Vaishnaw (@AshwiniVaishnaw) January 3, 2026
🚆Vande Bharat Sleeper pic.twitter.com/kTDXxW2k85
2. The ‘Kavach’ Safety Shield
Safety remains the top priority for Indian Railways in 2026. The sleeper rakes are equipped with the indigenous KAVACH anti-collision system, anti-climber features, and fire-resistant materials meeting international EN45545 HL3 standards.
3. World-Class Amenities
The 16-coach rake (comprising 11 3AC, 4 2AC, and 1 1AC coach) features:
- Ergonomic Berths: Improved cushioning and easier access to upper berths.
- Jerk-Free Ride: A completely new suspension system for enhanced passenger comfort.
- Bio-Vacuum Toilets: Aircraft-style, odor-free modular toilets.
- Exclusive Luxuries: First AC passengers will have access to onboard hot shower facilities.
2026: The Year of Railway Reforms
Minister Vaishnaw emphasized that 2026 will be a milestone year for passenger-centric reforms. Beyond the 12 sleeper rakes, the ministry is scaling up production through various consortia, including BEML-ICF, Kinet (Indo-Russian JV), and Titagarh-BHEL, to eventually deploy over 200 such trains across India.
With the Vande Bharat Sleeper launch date fast approaching, travelers are advised to keep a close watch on the IRCTC portal for the commencement of bookings later this month.
