PM Modi to flag off first Vande Bharat Sleeper Train on Jan 17; six new Amrit Bharat Express trains will also be launched: Ashwini Vaishnaw
Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw announced that the first Vande Bharat sleeper train will operate between Guwahati in Assam and Howrah in West Bengal. He stated that the complete trial, testing, and certification of the Vande Bharat Sleeper Train have been successfully completed. Prime Minister, Narendra Modi will flag off the first Vande Bharat Sleeper Train on January 17.
The Minister stated that this development represents a significant milestone for Indian Railways, the nation, and its rail passengers. He also mentioned that 2026 will be a year of major reforms for Indian Railways, with several passenger-centric initiatives set to be introduced.
Meanwhile, according to the Railway Minister, six new Amrit Bharat Express trains will also be launched. Their services will begin on January 17th and 18th.
Speaking at a special railway service awards ceremony in Delhi on Thursday, Vaishnaw stated that Indian Railways will undergo a major transformation in 2026. This includes the large-scale use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) for all types of improvements.
The districts benefitted by the Vande Bharat Sleeper Train include Kamrup Metropolitan and Bongaigaon in Assam State, and Coochbehar, Jalpaiguri, Maldah, Murshidabad, Purba Bardhaman, Hooghly, Howrah in West Bengal State. The train will have 16 coaches, including 11 three-tier AC coaches, 4 two-tier AC coaches, and 1 first-class AC coach, with a total capacity of around 823 passengers.
The Vande Bharat Sleeper Train will offer a comfortable, safe, and high-quality travel experience for overnight journeys. The timetable of the Vande Bharat Sleeper Train will be planned in such a way that it departs from its origin in the evening and reaches its destination early the next morning.
Passengers on the Vande Bharat Sleeper Train will enjoy region-specific culinary offerings during their journey. Train originating from Guwahati will feature authentic Assamese cuisine, while train starting from Kolkata will serve traditional Bengali delicacies, ensuring a delightful and culturally rich dining experience on board.
Features of Vande Bharat Sleeper Train
Semi-high-speed train with design speed up to 180 kmph
Ergonomically designed berths with improved cushioning
Automatic doors with vestibules for smooth movement
Enhanced ride comfort with superior suspension and noise reduction
Fitted with KAVACH
Disinfectant technology to maintain high sanitation
Driver cab with advanced controls and safety systems
Aerodynamic exterior looks & Automatic exterior passenger doors
Special arrangements for Divyangjans
Emergency talk-back unit for communication between Passenger and Train Manager/Loco Pilot in case of emergency
CCTVs in all coaches
Improved fire safety Aerosol based fire detection and suppression system in electrical cabinets and lavatories
Ambitious reform roadmap for 2026
Vaishnaw said Indian Railways has embarked on an ambitious reform roadmap for 2026 titled “52 weeks, 52 reforms”, under which one major reform will be implemented every week across key functional areas such as customer service, maintenance, production, quality management, health systems, and operations. He said a series of structured workshops are being conducted to redefine standards, identify bottlenecks, and set clear, time-bound action plans, with active participation from officers across departments.
He outlined six core resolutions that will guide Indian Railways in the coming phase.
He also highlighted the importance of engaging startups and innovators, encouraging railway employees to contribute reform ideas, and ensuring that successful innovations are scaled across the network.
On the occasion, a commemorative coin marking 100 years of electrification in Indian Railways was also launched.
Addressing the gathering, the Chairman & CEO of Railway Board V. Somanna congratulated railway employees and officers, describing Indian Railways as one of the world’s largest service organizations and crediting the Rail Parivar for ensuring safe and comfortable travel for millions every day.
He noted that rail connectivity has expanded to regions such as Jammu & Kashmir and the North East, citing major engineering achievements that have strengthened national integration. He also referred to Amrit Bharat and Namo Bharat trains for improved connectivity, and said the upcoming Vande Bharat Sleeper will enhance long-distance travel.