India’s First Vande Bharat Sleeper Train to Begin Service in January 2026

Indian Railways is ready to mark a new chapter in modern travel with the launch of India’s first Vande Bharat Sleeper train. The service is set to begin in January 2026 (around 17–19 January 2026) and will change the way people travel overnight across long distances. This train brings speed comfort and modern design together and offers a better experience for daily travelers tourists and working professionals.

A New Era of Overnight Rail Travel

The Vande Bharat Sleeper train is designed for long overnight journeys. Unlike the current Vande Bharat chair car trains this version focuses on sleeper comfort. Passengers can rest well and reach their destination fresh and relaxed. This move supports the goal of Indian Railways to offer fast and comfortable travel options that can compete with flights and road transport.

Route and Connectivity

The first Vande Bharat Sleeper train is expected to run between Howrah and Guwahati. This route connects eastern India with the northeast and is very important for business tourism and daily travel. The new service will reduce travel time by several hours compared to existing trains. Faster journeys will help passengers save time and plan their trips better.

Speed and Performance

The train is designed to run at high speed and is expected to operate at up to 130 km per hour on this route. Advanced safety systems and improved tracks allow smooth and stable travel even at higher speeds. This makes the journey not only faster but also safer and more reliable.

Comfortable Sleeper Coaches

Comfort is the key highlight of the Vande Bharat Sleeper train. The train will have fully air conditioned sleeper coaches with modern berths. Passengers can expect clean interiors soft lighting better suspension and low noise levels. There will be First AC Second AC and Third AC sleeper options so travelers can choose as per their budget and comfort needs.

Modern Features for Better Experience

The train is equipped with many modern features. These include automatic doors onboard monitoring systems improved toilets and better ventilation. The design focuses on passenger safety and ease of movement. Luggage space is well planned and seats and berths are designed to support long hours of rest.

Boost for Tourism and Economy

The launch of the Vande Bharat Sleeper train is expected to give a strong boost to tourism in eastern and northeastern India. Faster and comfortable travel will encourage more people to explore new destinations. It will also support local businesses and improve regional connectivity. Students, office goers and families will benefit equally from this modern service.

A Step Towards Future Rail Travel

This train is part of a larger plan to modernize Indian Railways. More Vande Bharat Sleeper trains are expected to be introduced on other long-distance routes in the future. This will slowly change the way people see train travel in India and make it a preferred choice again.

Conclusion

India’s first Vande Bharat Sleeper train, starting in January 2026, is a major step toward faster and more comfortable overnight travel. With high-speed modern features and improved comfort, it promises a better journey for millions of passengers. As rail travel becomes smarter and more passenger-focused,travelers can relax throughout the journey and easily order food on train for added comfort and convenience.