Prime Minister Narendra Modi flagged off India’s first Vande Bharat sleeper train on January 17, 2026, during a visit to Malda Town railway station in West Bengal. The train operates on the Howrah to Kamakhya route, connecting Kolkata with Guwahati in Assam, and marks a milestone in Indian Railways’ push for faster, more comfortable overnight travel.
When and Where the Launch Took Place
The flag-off occurred as part of Modi’s two-day tour of West Bengal and Assam. He inaugurated the service physically at Malda Town and virtually at Guwahati’s Kamakhya station. The train, designed for sleeper-class passengers, features modern amenities including air-conditioned cabins, onboard entertainment, and bio-vacuum toilets, building on the daytime Vande Bharat model introduced in 2019.
Where Passengers can travel
The 1,300-km route spans 11 states, stopping at key stations: Howrah, Malda Town, New Jalpaiguri, New Bongaigaon, and Kamakhya. Travel time shrinks to about 16 hours, compared to over 20 hours on traditional trains like the Rajdhani Express. This service targets business travelers and families in eastern India, where demand for reliable night trains has long outstripped supply.
Delighted to flag off India’s first Vande Bharat sleeper train from Malda. Several Amrit Bharat train services are also being introduced to boost connectivity.
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) January 17, 2026
https://t.co/rh7OaIeTvR
What Passengers Will Pay
Fares start at ₹2,300 for AC 3-tier economy, ₹3,000 for AC 2-tier, and ₹4,500 for AC 1st class, with dynamic pricing based on demand. Tickets went on sale via IRCTC, with initial bookings filling rapidly. These rates undercut airfares on the route while offering ground-level convenience.
Meeting Demand on One of Eastern India’s Busiest Corridors.
Vande Bharat sleepers address a gap in premium overnight options, serving over 10 million annual passengers on this corridor. The rollout signals Indian Railways’ manufacturing self-reliance, with the train built locally by the Integral Coach Factory in Chennai. It supports economic ties between industrial West Bengal and Assam’s growing tea and oil sectors.
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What Comes Next for Sleeper Vande Bharat Services
Two more Vande Bharat sleeper trains are slated for later in 2026, potentially on Mumbai-Goa and Chennai-Bengaluru routes. Infrastructure upgrades, including dedicated tracks, will follow to boost speeds beyond 130 kmph. Passengers can track updates through the IRCTC app or railway helplines.
