New Delhi, Jan 15 Indian Railways is set to introduce the Vande Bharat Sleeper Express between Guwahati and Kolkata in the near future, marking a significant milestone in long-distance overnight rail travel and strengthening connectivity between the Northeast and Eastern India, officials said on Saturday.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to visit Malda district in West Bengal on January 17, where he will inaugurate the Howrah–Guwahati Vande Bharat Sleeper Train from Malda Town Station. He will later address a public rally at Sahapur Bypass.
The new-generation train will operate with a 16-coach rake and a total passenger capacity of 823, according to Northeast Frontier Railway (NFR) Chief Public Relations Officer Kapinjal Kishore Sharma. The rake composition includes 11 AC 3-Tier coaches, four AC 2-Tier coaches and one First Class AC coach, offering a range of comfortable travel options for passengers.
Ahead of PM Modi’s arrival, Malda Town Station is being transformed into a festive hub. The entire station, both inside and outside, is being illuminated and decorated with colourful drapes and lights, giving it an appearance reminiscent of an international airport. Preparations are in full swing, and the excitement among passengers and locals is palpable.
The Prime Minister is expected to flag off the Vande Bharat Sleeper Train between Howrah and Guwahati around 12 to 12:30 pm. According to Kabir Biswas, Station Manager of Malda, “No trains are cancelled or rescheduled. All trains will run on time. Preparations at the station are being carried out smoothly ahead of the Prime Minister’s visit.”
The upcoming visit and the launch of the Vande Bharat Sleeper Train mark another milestone in modernising rail infrastructure in the region while providing residents with faster, safer, and more comfortable travel options, say officials.
Designed with a strong passenger-centric approach, the Vande Bharat Sleeper Express will feature ergonomically designed cushioned berths, advanced suspension systems for enhanced ride comfort, noise-reduction technology, automatic doors with vestibules and a modern Passenger Information System. Special provisions for Divyangjan passengers, contemporary toilets and advanced disinfection technology will further improve hygiene, accessibility and onboard comfort.
Safety remains a defining feature 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 with advanced controls. Its aerodynamic exterior and refined interiors reflect the latest advancements in indigenous rail engineering and design.
The introduction of the 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, Malda, Murshidabad, Purba Bardhaman, Hooghly and Howrah in West Bengal.
The service is poised to support regional mobility while promoting trade, tourism and socio-economic development. The launch of India’s first Vande Bharat Sleeper Express reaffirms Indian Railways’ commitment to innovation, passenger-focused services and the vision of a modern, future-ready railway network, the NFR CPRO said.
