PURVODAYA WITH HIGH SPEED TRAIN TRAVEL
First Vande Bharat Sleeper Train of India to run between West Bengal and the North Eastern States

Kolkata, January 05, 2026:

As a New Year’s bonanza for West Bengal, Indian Railways has arranged for running India’s first Vande Bharat Sleeper Train between Howrah and Guwahati (Kamakhya). This train, ushering in the new era of high-speed train travel between West Bengal and the North Eastern State, will bring a pleasant journey experience for the traveller at a much reduced cost compared to the airfare, but at a speed that brings considerable reduction in journey time. This new Sleeper Class Vande Bharat will complete its journey between Howrah – Guwahati (Kamakhya) in about 14 hrs., compared to the 20-hour journey by other trains on this route.

The salient features of the Vande Bharat Sleeper train will be as follows:-

• The trainset features an aerodynamic design for high-speed operation, with a design speed of 180 kmph, enabling faster long-distance travel while maintaining stability and passenger comfort.

• Centrally controlled automatic sliding plug doors with obstacle detection are provided to ensure safe and reliable door operation for passengers boarding/deboarding at stoppage.

• Fully scaled flexible gangways are provided between coaches to ensure smooth inter-coach movement, reduce noise ingress, and improve passenger comfort

• Semi-permanent couplers are used between coaches to minimize jerks during braking and acceleration, resulting in improved ride comfort.

• An advanced suspension system is provided to ensure superior ride quality. The effectiveness of the suspension is such that even a water-filled container placed on the berth remains stable without spillage at 180 kmph, demonstrating excellent vibration control.

• CCTV surveillance systems are installed in coaches to enhance passenger safety and security.

• A comprehensive Passenger Announcement and Passenger Information System (PA/PIS) is provided for real-time journey updates, safety announcements, and passenger guidance.

• Odor-free vacuum evacuation toilet systems, including both Indian and Western toilets, are provided to ensure hygienic operation, reduced water consumption, and improved cleanliness.

• Ergonomically designed berths with improved cushioning and upholstery have been provided for enhanced passenger comfort.

• Special climbing features have been provided for access to upper berths in First Class coaches to ensure ease of movement, safety, and passenger convenience.

• Enhanced lighting and interior design have been provided to achieve a more aesthetic and pleasant ambience

• Modern Passenger Amenities (Mobile, Magazine, Water bottle holder, snack Table, etc.) with spacious luggage room.

• A honeycomb ladder has been provided to facilitate easy and safe climbing to the upper berth.

• Integrated Berth Reading Light (BRL) with 3-PIN Charging socket & switch, along with USB ports type A and type C.

• Emergency Talk Back Unit (ETBU) has been provided to enable direct communication with the Guard in case of emergencies, including medical assistance.

• Provision of a mini pantry equipped with a boiler, cooler, hot case, refrigeration unit, and bottle crusher has been made for passenger convenience and to support pollution control measures.

• Special berths and toilets for Persons with Reduced Mobility (PRM) are provided in each DTC.

• Provision of a baby seater in the lavatory of each DTC coach.

• An automatic fire detection system has been provided along with fire-worthy barrier doors and real-time CCTV monitoring to ensure early fire detection.

• Noise insulation measures have been provided to maintain a silent and comfortable saloon space.

• Vande Bharat Sleeper coaches are built to meet international EN 15227 crash safety standards for passenger protection.

• Centralized Coach Monitoring System CCMS) has been provided for centralized control, monitoring, and efficient operation of the RMPU.

• A Train Collision Avoidance System (TCAS) has been provided to enhance operational safety by preventing train collisions.

• Air-conditioning has been provided in the driver’s cab to ensure a comfortable working environment, helping maintain alertness and efficiency of the crew during long and high-speed operations.

• The propulsion equipment is mounted underslung of the coaches to optimize interior space, lower centre of gravity for improved stability, and facilitate easier inspection and maintenance.

• All materials and aggregates used in the trainset comply with the stringent fire safety requirements of EN 45545 HL3 grade, ensuring high resistance to fire. This significantly enhances passenger safety by minimizing fire risks, supporting safe and effective evacuation during emergency situations.

• A hot water shower facility has been provided in the First AC (FAC) coach for enhanced passenger comfort and convenience during long-distance and overnight journeys.

• Berths have been provided for all attendants to ensure adequate rest during duty.

• Wi-Fi routers with an access point network have been provided to enable passengers to access infotainment and travel-related information.

• Passenger Alarm Emergency push button switches have been provided in the coaches to enable passengers to alert the crew in case of any emergency.