First Vande Bharat Sleeper Train to Run Between Guwahati and Howrah: Route, Features, Speed and Fare
TRAVEL First Vande Bharat Sleeper Train to Run Between Guwahati and Howrah: Route, Features, Speed and Fare Newsyaar January 18, 2026 10:16 am India has launched its first Vande Bharat sleeper train, marking a major milestone in the modernisation of long-distance rail travel. The new service will operate between Guwahati and Howrah, providing an overnight, high-speed connection between the Northeast and eastern India. Prime Minister Narendra Modi flagged off the sleeper variant of the Vande Bharat train from Malda Town in West Bengal, while the return Guwahati–Howrah service was inaugurated virtually. The launch signals the expansion of the Vande Bharat network beyond short daytime routes into long-haul overnight travel. Guwahati–Howrah Vande Bharat Sleeper Train Route The Vande Bharat sleeper train connects Howrah in West Bengal with Kamakhya Junction in Guwahati, one of the most important railway hubs in Assam. Designed as an overnight service, the train aims to offer faster, safer and more comfortable travel on a busy inter-state corridor. According to official estimates, the new service is expected to reduce travel time by nearly two and a half hours compared to existing trains on the route. Speed and Operational Capacity The sleeper Vande Bharat train has been engineered for a top speed of 180 kilometres per hour. However, its operational speed is expected to range between 120 and 130 kilometres per hour, in line with current track conditions and safety protocols. Despite this, railway officials say the train will significantly improve journey efficiency and punctuality on the Guwahati–Howrah sector. Designed for Overnight Comfort Unlike the earlier Vande Bharat chair car services, this train has been specifically developed for long overnight journeys. It is fully air-conditioned and offers three classes of accommodation. Passenger comfort has been prioritised through ergonomically designed berths and a modern suspension system that ensures a smoother ride. Updated linens and improved onboard hygiene systems have also been introduced to enhance the travel experience. Safety and Automation Features The train is equipped with advanced safety systems, including the indigenous Kavach automatic train protection technology. Comprehensive onboard surveillance systems have been installed to improve passenger security. In addition, automated sliding doors remain closed while the train is in motion and open only when it reaches a station, adding an extra layer of safety and efficiency. Local Cuisine on Board Catering services are included in the ticket price and have been designed to reflect regional food preferences. Passengers travelling from Guwahati to Howrah will be served Assamese cuisine, while those on the return journey can expect Bengali dishes. The initiative mirrors airline-style meal services and aims to offer passengers a more personalised travel experience. Ticket Fare and Classes The Guwahati–Howrah Vande Bharat sleeper train offers three classes of travel. Expected one-way fares are: 3AC: Around Rs 2,300 2AC: Approximately Rs 3,000 1AC: Close to Rs 3,600 The pricing positions the train in the premium segment while remaining competitive with existing long-distance rail services. Boost to Connectivity and Tourism Railway authorities believe the introduction of the Vande Bharat sleeper train will strengthen connectivity between West Bengal and Assam. Faster overnight travel is expected to benefit business travellers, tourists and pilgrims, while also supporting economic activity across the region. With this launch, Indian Railways has indicated that sleeper variants of the Vande Bharat platform will play a key role in the future of long-distance rail travel in the country. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5oI6dnwvYkk Video credit: YT@/NaMo About the Author Travel Reporter Share via Copied Comments Post Comment
Madhavi Latha: The Engineer Behind the World’s Highest Rail Bridge
SCIENCE Madhavi Latha: The Engineer Behind the World’s Highest Rail Bridge When the Chenab Rail Bridge, the world’s highest railway bridge, stands tall amid the rugged Himalayas, it represents more than an engineering marvel. It tells the story of Dr. G. Madhavi Latha, the engineer whose expertise and vision played a pivotal role in turning an impossible idea into reality. She has also been awarded the NDTV Science Icon of the Year Award. Towering at 359 metres above the Chenab River in Jammu and Kashmir, the bridge is higher than the Eiffel Tower and is one of India’s most ambitious infrastructure projects. Designed to withstand extreme winds, earthquakes, and challenging geological conditions, the Chenab Bridge is a symbol of modern India’s engineering strength, and Dr. Madhavi Latha was at the heart of it. A professor at IIT Madras, Dr. Madhavi Latha, served as the geotechnical consultant for the project. Her role was crucial: the bridge stands in a highly seismic zone with fragile rock formations and unpredictable terrain. Traditional construction methods were not enough. Innovative geotechnical solutions were required to stabilise slopes, design foundations, and ensure long-term safety in one of the most hostile environments imaginable. Dr. Latha and her team worked extensively on slope stabilisation, foundation design, and rock reinforcement, addressing landslide risks and geological uncertainties. What made the challenge even greater was the remoteness of the site, harsh weather conditions, and limited accessibility. Despite these obstacles, her scientific approach and practical problem-solving ensured that the bridge could safely support high-speed trains while enduring nature’s extremes. Beyond its technical brilliance, Dr. Madhavi Latha’s contribution carries deep symbolic value. In a field traditionally dominated by men, her leadership and expertise have made her an inspiration for young engineers across India. She has often spoken about how the project demanded patience, collaboration, and unwavering commitment, qualities as critical as technical knowledge. The Chenab Rail Bridge is a vital link in the Udhampur–Srinagar–Baramulla Rail Line (USBRL) project, aimed at improving connectivity, mobility, and development in Jammu and Kashmir. Its completion marks a major milestone in India’s infrastructure journey. Dr. Madhavi Latha’s story reminds us that behind every iconic structure lies human effort, intellect, and resilience. As trains begin to cross the world’s highest rail bridge, they carry with them not just passengers, but the legacy of an engineer who redefined what was possible. About the Author Science Reporter Share via Copied Comments Post Comment