Indian Railways has officially started the commercial operations of the first Vande Bharat Sleeper train on the Guwahati-Howrah route. Prime Minister Narendra Modi flagged off the service which marks a major step in the development of long-distance travel in India. This train is built to provide a comfortable overnight journey with modern amenities that resemble a flight-like experience for common passengers.
What facilities are provided in the new Vande Bharat Sleeper?
The train is designed with a human-centric approach that includes modern interiors and superior cushioning for a jerk-free sleep during the journey. Passengers will find wide-step ladders that make it easier to reach the upper berths compared to older train designs. The First AC coaches are being called a hotel-on-wheels because of their high level of privacy and cleanliness for long-distance travelers. This design aims to provide a premium feel while maintaining the high speed for which the Vande Bharat brand is known.
Technical details and future expansion plans for 2026
The Ministry of Railways plans to launch 12 more sleeper trains on major trunk routes like Delhi-Mumbai and Bengaluru-Chennai by the end of 2026. These trains use self-propelled technology and are equipped with the latest Kavach 4.0 indigenous safety system. To ensure a high-quality travel experience, the authorities have decided to issue only confirmed tickets for this service with no RAC or waiting list options allowed. The maintenance of these trainsets will be managed by a joint venture between Titagarh Rail Systems and BHEL for the next 35 years.
| Feature | Technical Details |
|---|---|
| Total Coaches | 16 (11 AC 3-tier, 4 AC 2-tier, 1 AC First Class) |
| Passenger Capacity | 823 berths per train |
| Safety System | Kavach 4.0 Collision Avoidance |
| Design Speed | 180 km/h maximum |
| Operational Speed | 120 to 130 km/h |
| Interior Design | GFRP panels and ergonomic ladders |
| Maintenance Contract | Awarded to TRSL-BHEL Consortium |