India achieved a major milestone in railway modernization with the launch of its first Vande Bharat Sleeper Train in January 2026 on the Kolkata (Howrah)–Guwahati route. This marked the beginning of semi-high-speed overnight rail travel in the country, extending the success of the Vande Bharat series beyond day-time chair car services. Developed by Indian Railways, the sleeper variant is designed for long-distance routes of 1,000–1,500 km, offering both speed and comfort.
The train is capable of running at speeds of up to 180 km/h, significantly reducing travel time while providing fully air-conditioned sleeper coaches with cushioned berths for overnight journeys. It is equipped with modern safety features such as automatic doors, fire detection systems, and advanced braking technology. With larger train sets than chair-car versions, it can accommodate more passengers. The fare structure is positioned between conventional express trains and premium luxury services, ranging from ₹2,300 to ₹3,600.
