Vande Bharat Sleeper train launch this month, to connect poll-bound West Bengal and Assam
By Arun Kumar Das
New Delhi, Jan 1 (BVI) The much-awaited Vande Bharat Sleeper train will be launched this month and it will run between Howrah in West Bengal and Guwahati in Assam, the two states going to have Assembly elections in the coming months.
All preparations and trial runs have been completed successfully, Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw said at a press conference here today.
The launching of the 16-coach premier train this month connecting Assam and West Bengal in January assumes significance as both these states are going to polls in March-April this year.
Vaishnaw said the fares of the Vande Bharat Sleeper Train between Howrah in West Bengal and Guwahati in Assam will be substantially lower than air travel.
The Railway Minister said the fare for the Guwahati–Howrah route has been fixed at around ₹2,300 for 3AC.
The 2AC fare is expected to be about ₹3,000, while First AC is proposed at nearly ₹3,600.
He said airfares on the same route often range between ₹6,000 and ₹8,000, making the sleeper train a more affordable option.
Vaishnawa said the new sleeper version marks the next phase in the evolution of Vande Bharat trains.
He noted that the chair car variant had received an overwhelming response, leading to widespread demand for next-generation trains across the country.
The Vande Bharat Sleeper has been designed for long-distance journeys of more than 1,000 kilometres and upto 1500 km.
It is aimed at providing faster, safer and more comfortable overnight travel. The 16-coach train with 823 berths features upgraded suspension, modern sleeper coaches and advanced safety systems to improve passenger comfort during long journeys.
“The services will become operational in the next 15-20 days, possibly around January 18 or 19. We have requested the prime minister, and everything is clear. I will announce the exact date in the next two to three days,” the minister said.
The first train is expected to be flagged off by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. (BVI)
