India’s first Vande Bharat Sleeper train on the Kamakhya-Howrah route was flagged off on January 17, marking a major milestone in long-distance rail connectivity for Assam and the Northeast.
The Kamakhya-Howrah service was inaugurated virtually, while the return Howrah-Kamakhya train was formally flagged off by Prime Minister Narendra Modi from Malda Town Railway Station.
The first Vande Bharat Sleeper train between Kamakhya and Howrah was flagged off on January 17. Operated by Northeast Frontier Railway, the 16-coach train is designed for overnight travel and marks the first time the Vande Bharat platform has been adapted for long-distance sleeper operations.
First Sleeper Version of Vande Bharat
This is the first instance of the Vande Bharat platform being adapted specifically for overnight sleeper travel, expanding its scope beyond daytime intercity services. Railway officials said the sleeper configuration is intended to offer improved comfort and efficiency for long-distance routes.
The train is operated and maintained by the Northeast Frontier Railway.
Coach Composition and Features
The Kamakhya–Howrah Vande Bharat Sleeper has a 16-coach configuration designed to cater to different passenger categories. The rake includes:
- 11 AC 3-tier coaches
- 4 AC 2-tier coaches
- 1 AC First Class coach
Railway authorities stated that the train is equipped with upgraded onboard systems compared to conventional sleeper trains, aimed at providing a more consistent travel experience during overnight journeys.
Importance of the Howrah-Guwahati Corridor
The Howrah–Guwahati rail corridor is among the busiest long-distance routes linking Assam with eastern India. It is heavily used by passengers travelling between the Northeast and major cities in West Bengal and beyond.
Officials said the introduction of a sleeper Vande Bharat service on this corridor is expected to reduce travel time while improving reliability and onboard comfort for long-haul travellers.
Relevance for Guwahati and Assam
For Guwahati, the launch strengthens Kamakhya’s role as a major rail gateway for the Northeast. Improved sleeper connectivity is expected to benefit students, working professionals, and families who frequently travel between Assam and eastern India.
The service also reflects a broader push to modernise long-distance rail travel in the region, aligning the Northeast with newer rolling stock and upgraded passenger services.
What Happens Next
Railway officials indicated that operational performance and passenger feedback from this service will be closely monitored. The Kamakhya–Howrah sleeper run is expected to serve as a model for similar long-distance Vande Bharat sleeper services on other high-demand routes in the future.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. What makes the Kamakhya-Howrah Vande Bharat train different?
It is the first Vande Bharat train designed for overnight sleeper travel, featuring AC 3-tier, AC 2-tier, and First Class coaches.
Q2. Who operates the Kamakhya-Howrah Vande Bharat Sleeper train?
The service is operated and maintained by the Northeast Frontier Railway zone of Indian Railways.