Prime Minister Narendra Modi flagged off India’s first Vande Bharat Sleeper Train between Howrah and Guwahati (Kamakhya) at Malda Town Railway Station earlier today. India’s first Vande Bharat sleeper train which is fully air-conditioned train is built to provide long-distance travellers with airline-like comfort at affordable prices.
As per officials, the recently launched train is expected to cut travel time on the route by about 2.5 hours, boosting religious tourism, passenger comfort, and connectivity between West Bengal and the Northeast. Without further ado, here are the must know features about the latest addition to India’s railway circuit.
Updated Interiors
Designed for long-distance travel, the train features ergonomic sleeper berths, USB charging ports and enhanced security systems. Conventional sleeping berths that had been placed in most trains across the country have been redesigned to provide better body support, making overnight journeys more restful.
Boosted Storage Space
Vande Bharat Sleeper trains also offer ample and well-planned luggage space, with overhead racks and under-berth storage for smaller bags, and dedicated areas near coach entrances for larger suitcases, ensuring uncluttered and comfortable interiors.
Local cuisines to be served along the route
The catering is included in the ticket price and focuses on local flavours and cuisines. While passengers travelling from Kamakhya to Howrah will be served Assamese cuisine, those on the return journey from Howrah to Kamakhya will relish Bengali dishes.
Speed
While the train is built to reach a top speed of 180 kmph, it is expected to operate at a maximum of 120-130 kmph.
Fare
The train offers three tiers of travel and ticket prices range between Rs 2,300 and Rs 3,600. Expected fare for one-way journey are:
3AC: Approximately Rs 2,300
2AC: Around Rs 3,000
1AC: Roughly Rs 3,600
CCTV Cameras and emergency system
The train is also equipped with features such as automatic doors, improved fire safety mechanisms, disinfectant technology and CCTV surveillance in all coaches. An advanced emergency talk-back system has also been put in place to allow passengers to directly communicate with the crew in case of emergencies.
Hygiene
The newly flagged off train utilises advanced disinfectant technology that is capable of killing 99% of germs, with updated linens and towels provided for all passengers.
Advanced suspension system
Automatic doors with vestibules between coaches ensure safe and convenient movement within the train. An advanced suspension system further enhances ride quality by minimizing jerks and vibrations, ensuring a calm and fatigue-free journey.
Boost to regional connectivity and pilgrim travelling
The Howrah–Guwahati route is among the most significant rail corridors in the country, supporting the daily movement of lakhs of passengers. The train is expected to enhance connectivity across key districts such as Cooch Behar, Jalpaiguri, Malda, Murshidabad, Purba Bardhaman, Hooghly and Howrah in West Bengal, and Kamrup Metropolitan and Bongaigaon in Assam.