Maligaon, January 10 (MExN): Indian Railways is set to introduce the first-ever Vande Bharat Sleeper Express between Guwahati and Kolkata “very soon,” the Northeast Frontier Railway (NFR) announced on Saturday.
The new-generation train will operate with a 16-coach rake and a total passenger capacity of 823. It will comprise 11 AC 3-tier coaches, four AC 2-tier coaches and one First Class AC coach, offering various travel options across different passenger segments, the NFR said.
The launch will mark a major milestone in long-distance overnight rail travel and further strengthen connectivity between the Northeast and eastern India, it added.
As per an official release, the Vande Bharat Sleeper Express has been designed with a strong passenger-centric approach and will feature ergonomically designed cushioned berths, advanced suspension systems for improved ride comfort, noise-reduction technology, automatic doors with vestibules and a modern Passenger Information System. Special provisions for Divyangjan (PwDs) passengers, contemporary toilets and advanced disinfection technology are also expected to enhance hygiene, accessibility and onboard comfort, it said.
The NFR noted that safety remains a key feature of the train, which will be equipped with the Kavach automatic train protection system, emergency passenger talk-back units and a state-of-the-art driver cab with advanced controls. The aerodynamic exterior and refined interiors reflect the latest advancements in indigenous rail engineering and design, it added.
The introduction of the service is expected to significantly boost connectivity between Assam and West Bengal. Key beneficiary districts include Kamrup Metropolitan and Bongaigaon in Assam, and Cooch Behar, Jalpaiguri, Malda, Murshidabad, Purba Bardhaman, Hooghly and Howrah in West Bengal.
The launch of India’s first Vande Bharat Sleeper Express reaffirms Indian Railways’ commitment to innovation, passenger-focused services and the vision of a modern, future-ready railway network, the release stated. However, the NFR release did not specify the official launch date of the service.
