Indian Railways Unveils Vande Bharat Sleeper Fares for New Howrah-Guwahati Train
Indian Railways is poised to unveil its first Vande Bharat sleeper train this week, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi set to inaugurate the service on January 17. The new train will operate between Howrah and Kamakhya (Guwahati), marking a significant advancement in overnight travel options for passengers. Designed for long-distance journeys, the Vande Bharat sleeper aims to enhance comfort and efficiency for travelers across states during nighttime.
Fare Structure and Ticket Prices
The Vande Bharat sleeper train will feature a total of 11 AC-3 tier coaches, 4 AC-2 tier coaches, and one AC First coach, accommodating up to 823 passengers. The inaugural route will cover a distance of 958 kilometers from Howrah to Kamakhya. The fare for an AC-3 tier ticket from Howrah to Guwahati is set at Rs 2,299, plus a 5% GST. For those traveling to New Jalpaiguri, the fare is Rs 1,334, while a ticket to Malda Town will cost Rs 960.
For passengers opting for the AC-2 tier, the fare from Howrah to Guwahati is Rs 2,970, with similar pricing for other destinations: Rs 1,724 to New Jalpaiguri and Rs 1,240 to Malda Town. The First AC (1AC) tickets are priced at Rs 3,640 for the Howrah to Guwahati route, Rs 2,113 to New Jalpaiguri, and Rs 1,520 to Malda Town. Additionally, fares for travel between Kamakhya and Malda Town are Rs 1,522 for AC-3 tier, Rs 1,965 for AC-2, and Rs 2,409 for 1AC. The minimum chargeable distance for the Vande Bharat Sleeper service is set at 400 kilometers.
Innovative Features of the Vande Bharat Sleeper
The Vande Bharat sleeper train has been designed with passenger comfort and safety in mind. During test runs on the Kota–Nagda section, the train reached its top speed of 180 km/h, showcasing its stability with glasses of water remaining steady even at high speeds. While the train is built for semi-high-speed operations of up to 160 km/h, actual speeds will depend on track conditions across various sections.
This sleeper version serves as a long-haul alternative to the existing Vande Bharat chair car services. Inspired by European rail design, the sleeper coaches offer cushioned berths for enhanced comfort and improved access to upper berths. Passenger amenities include soft night lighting, integrated audio-visual information systems, and CCTV surveillance for added security. The train will also feature aircraft-style bio-vacuum toilets, facilities for persons with disabilities, baby care areas, and shower units in the first-class coach.
Safety and Efficiency Features
Safety is a top priority for the Vande Bharat sleeper train, which incorporates indigenous KAVACH anti-collision technology. The train also utilizes regenerative braking to improve energy efficiency, similar to the existing Vande Bharat chair car models. Additional features include sealed gangways and automatic inter-coach doors to maintain air quality and temperature within the cabins.
Passengers will benefit from personal reading lights, charging points, and foldable snack tables, all designed to enhance the travel experience. The interiors are finished with GFRP panels, ensuring durability and aesthetic appeal. Train doors will automatically open at designated stations, and a centralized coach monitoring system will allow passengers to communicate directly with the locomotive pilot in case of emergencies. This comprehensive approach to design and safety positions the Vande Bharat sleeper as a modern solution for overnight rail travel in India.
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