Vande Bharat Sleeper Launch On January 17: How Is New Indian Railways Train Better Than Rajdhani? Top Features & Stunning Photos

Vande Bharat sleeper train launch: Indian Railways is all set to usher in a new era of travel with PM Narendra Modi expected to flag off the first Vande Bharat sleeper train on January 17, 2026. The new Vande Bharat sleeper train will run on the Kamakhya (Guwahati) - Howrah route, offering the fastest air-conditioned train travel option between the two cities. So why is Vande Bharat sleeper special? The new Indian Railways train has world-class features, aimed at offering an experience better than Rajdhani Express trains! From fare structure and schedule to passenger-friendly features, we take a look at top facts and stunning photos of the Vande Bharat sleeper train:

Vande Bharat sleeper: The new train has 16 air-conditioned coaches, designed to offer long-distance overnight comfort. Of the 16 coaches, 11 are AC-3 tier coaches, four are AC-2 tier coaches and one is First AC coach. The train’s overall passenger capacity is 823.

Vande Bharat Sleeper: The berths of Vande Bharat sleeper have been made with better cushioning for passenger comfort, meeting global standards and world-class experience. The ladder to reach the upper berths has been redesigned for easier access.

Vande Bharat sleeper has a host of passenger amenities such as soft night lighting, passenger information systems, CCTV cameras, modular pantry units, sealed gangways and automatic inter-coach doors to maintain air quality and temperature, personalised reading lights, charging points, foldable snack tables and interiors finished with GFRP panels.

The Vande Bharat sleeper train is equipped with the indigenous KAVACH anti-collision system, while regenerative braking will be deployed to improve energy efficiency, in line with existing Vande Bharat chair car trains.

Vande Bharat sleeper trains have modern bio-vacuum toilets similar to those in aircraft. The toilets have modular fittings, and there is a toilet for divyangjans as well with easy wheelchair access. According to Indian Railways, advanced disinfectant technology will be used to maintain superior sanitation levels. The First AC Coach also has a shower cubicle.

Vande Bharat Sleeper trains have automatic doors that are operated by the loco pilot. There is a centralised coach monitoring system and emergency communication facilities enabling direct contact with the locomotive pilot. The train has a driving cabin at each end eliminating need for locomotive reversal, ensuring faster turnaround time.

Vande Bharat sleeper ride comfort: Indian Railways has said that the new train offers superior ride comfort through an advanced suspension mechanism that significantly cuts down on shocks and vibrations, offering a jerk-free ride.

Kamakhya-Howrah Vande Bharat Sleeper Schedule: Train number 27575 Howrah-Kamakhya Vande Bharat sleeper will depart from Howrah at 6:20 PM to reach Kamakhya at 8:20 AM the next morning taking 14 hours. Train number 27576 Kamakhya-Howrah Vande Bharat sleeper train will leave from Kamakhya at 6:15 PM to reach Howrah at 8:15 AM the next morning. En route the train will stop at Rangiya, New Bongaigaon, New Alipurduar, New Cooch Behar, New Jalpaiguri, Aluabari Road, Malda Town, New Farakka Jn, Azimganj, Katwa Jn, Nabadwip Dham, Bandel Jn.

Vande Bharat sleeper fares start at Rs 2,299/- plus GST for AC-3 tier trip between Guwahati and Howrah. The fare for AC-2 tier is Rs 2,970/- and Rs 3,640/- for First AC travel. The tickets for Howrah to New Jalpaiguri and Malda Town will start at Rs 1,334 and Rs 960, respectively. On the Kamakhya side, fares to Malda Town have been fixed at Rs 1,522 for AC-3 tier, Rs 1,965 for AC-2 tier and Rs 2,409 for First AC, while travel between Kamakhya and New Jalpaiguri will cost Rs 962 in AC-3, Rs 1,243 in AC-2 and Rs 1,524 in First AC.

Vande Bharat sleeper train has a design speed of 180 kmph making it a semi-high speed train. However, the maximum permissible operating speed is 160 kmph, which may further drop depending on the route it runs on and the track and signalling infrastructure. The Vande Bharat sleeper was tested successfully at 180 kmph and Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw even shared a ‘water test’ video in which finely balanced glasses of water are seen remaining stable at high speeds without a drop of water spilling.