Northeast to Get India’s First Vande Bharat Sleeper: PM Modi to Launch Guwahati–Kolkata Service
India’s rail infrastructure reaches a new milestone as the Ministry of Railways announces the successful testing of the Vande Bharat Sleeper train. Set to debut on the Guwahati–Kolkata route, this high-speed sleeper marks a shift toward premium long-distance travel. Discover how Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s upcoming inauguration will redefine the Northeast-Bengal rail corridor.
The announcement, underscored by Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, highlights a strategic shift in the Vande Bharat project from daytime chair-car services to long-haul overnight travel. Minister Vaishnaw confirmed that the administrative and technical frameworks are now fully aligned for the official rollout. Prime Minister Narendra Modi is expected to formally flag off the train in the coming days, marking a high-profile addition to the nation's burgeoning transport infrastructure. The introduction of this service is viewed as a critical step in bridging the geographical gap between the Northeast and the rest of the country with superior transit technology.
Designed to compete with global standards of rail hospitality, the Vande Bharat Sleeper is engineered with a focus on passenger ergonomics and advanced safety features. Unlike its predecessors, which were optimized for shorter durations, this version integrates specialized suspension systems and noise-reduction technology to ensure a seamless overnight journey. The Ministry has emphasized that the train is equipped with cutting-edge amenities, focusing on "high-level comfort" and modern aesthetics, catering to a demographic that increasingly seeks a blend of speed and luxury in public transport.
The launch of the Guwahati–Kolkata route carries profound implications for regional connectivity and economic integration. Beyond merely reducing travel time, the deployment of this indigenous sleeper train represents a major modernization of the Indian Railways' fleet. By replacing aging rolling stock with intelligent, sensor-based rakes, the government aims to set a new benchmark for long-distance commuting. As the countdown to the Prime Minister’s inauguration begins, the project stands as a testament to India's growing self-reliance in railway engineering and its commitment to providing world-class transit solutions for the common traveler.

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