We all know how positively Vande Bharat Express trains have changed travel in India. These trains have played a crucial role in cutting travel times by 2–3 hours. Now, to cover long-distance overnight journeys, Vande Bharat Express has taken a step forward by introducing its first sleeper train, which Prime Minister Narendra Modi flagged off. Scroll down to know more!
PM Modi Flagged Off India’s First Vande Bharat Sleeper Train
PM Shri @narendramodi Ji flagged off India’s first Vande Bharat Sleeper Train from Howrah and Guwahati (Kamakhya) an important step in the modernisation of Indian Railways.
This Made in India premium train with world class facilities provides a comfortable and affordable option… pic.twitter.com/j9s77FGKXi
— Tejasvi Surya (@Tejasvi_Surya) January 17, 2026
On Saturday, January 17, 2026, Prime Minister Narendra Modi flagged off the country’s first Vande Bharat sleeper train. The train will run between Howrah in West Bengal and Guwahati in Assam, offering a comfortable experience throughout the night. As per Moneycontrol, during PM Modi’s two-day visit to West Bengal, the inauguration took place at Malda Town railway station.
During his visit, PM Modi inaugurated several railway and infrastructure projects. At the event, Modi highlighted that the train connects the “land of Mother Kali” to the “land of Mother Kamakhya”. He believes that Vande Bharat sleeper trains would soon expand across India.
Also Read: ‘First, Learn Toilet Manners,’ Requests Railway Official Before Vande Bharat Sleeper; Here’s Why
More About This New Vande Bharat Train
The new Vande Bharat sleeper train is fully air-conditioned and designed to give passengers an airline-like travel experience at affordable fares. It will cut travel time by around 2.5 hours on the Howrah–Guwahati (Kamakhya) route. The first train started from Malda, but the regular service will run from Howrah. It will operate six days a week, except Wednesday, leaving Howrah at 6:20 pm and arriving in Guwahati at 8:20 am the next day.
According to Moneycontrol, alongside the sleeper train, Prime Minister Modi inaugurated multiple rail and road infrastructure projects in Malda worth ₹3,250 crore. These projects are aimed at improving development between Bengal and the North-East.
Modi also virtually flagged off four new Amrit Bharat Express trains connecting New Jalpaiguri and Alipurduar to cities across India, including Nagercoil, Tiruchirappalli, Bengaluru, and Mumbai (Panvel). On Sunday, he will visit Singur in Hooghly to lay the foundation stone for projects worth ₹830 crore and virtually flag off three more Amrit Bharat Express trains. These trains will connect Howrah, Sealdah, and Santragachhi to Delhi, Varanasi, and Chennai.
How excited are you to travel in India’s first Vande Bharat sleeper train? Tell us in the comments below!
Also Read: With Fares Starting At ₹960, Are Upcoming Vande Bharat Sleeper Trains Costlier Than Rajdhani?
Cover Image Courtesy: X/@chandushihoraMP