Howrah to Guwahati: Here’s how India’s 1st Vande Bharat sleeper train could transform travel experience

Howrah-Guwahati Vande Bharat Sleeper: The much-awaited Vande Bharat Sleeper train is set to be launched this week on the Howrah–Guwahati route. The new semi-high-speed train service will reduce travel time between the two cities, while improving connectivity and giving a boost to the regional economy.

Developed by BEML using ICF technology, the Howrah–Guwahati (Kamakhya)–Howrah Vande Bharat Sleeper train has been designed to operate at speeds of up to 180 kmph.

Being the country’s first Vande Bharat Sleeper train, it has created an excitement among the passengers, who are eager to experience its modern design and the promise of faster and smoother overnight rail journey. Once operational, the Howrah-Guwahati-Howrah Vande Bharat Sleeper train is expected to be a major game changer for travellers.

The Howrah-Kamakhya Vande Bharat Sleeper train service will run six days a week and connect two states: West Bengal and Assam. The train will be operated and maintained by the Northeast Frontier Railway (NFR) zone.

The Howrah-Kamakhya Vande Bharat train is set to boost regional mobility while promoting tourism and trade across the region. The route also offers a scenic journey as the train travels through the hilly areas.

At present, the Saraighat Express is the fastest train on this route, taking over 16 hours to cover the 966-km distance. However, with the introduction of the Vande Bharat Sleeper train, the travel time will be significantly reduced. This new premium train will complete the journey in just 14 hours, which will save precious time (nearly three hours).

As Bengalis are known for their love of travel, the introduction of the Howrah-Guwahati Vande Bharat Sleeper train offers them a new and attractive option during holidays and vacations. In the peak season, when demand for tickets to North Bengal soars and passengers often fails to secure berths on trains, the new Howrah-Guwahati-Howrah Vande Bharat Sleeper train is expected to prove beneficial. The train will generate 823 additional berths across the Third AC, Second AC and First AC daily.

The time table of Howrah-Guwahati–Howrah Vande Bharat Sleeper train is another major factor, which is likely to increase demand for this service. From Howrah, the train will depart at 18:20 hrs and arrive at its destination at 08:20 hrs the next day. In the return direction, it will leave Kamakhya at 18:15 hrs and reach Howrah at 08:15 hrs the following morning, making it a suitable overnight option for travellers.

The new orange-and-grey coloured Vande Bharat Sleeper train comes with more advanced features than existing trains. This new train has an advanced safety and passenger-friendly technologies. The train incorporates modern disinfection technology to maintain high standards of sanitation and hygiene. The driver cab is fitted with advanced controls for precise and efficient operation, while its aerodynamic exterior design enhances energy efficiency and stability. The train has ergonomically designed berths with improved cushioning. It has special arrangements for Divyangjans.

In addition, the Howrah-Guwahati Vande Bharat Sleeper train is expected offer a world-class rail travel between the ‘City of Joy’ and the ‘Gateway to the Northeast.’ As the train will pass through nine districts across two states: Howrah, Hooghly, Purba Bardhaman, Murshidabad, Malda, Jalpaiguri and Cooch Behar in West Bengal, and Kamrup Metropolitan and Bongaigaon in Assam – it will provide better access to popular destinations in Kolkata, Nabadweep Dham (birth place of Shri Chaitanya), Murshidabad, Malda, Cooch Behar, Darjeeling (passengers need to deboard at New Jalpaiguri and take other transport), Kamakhya and other key tourist sites.

The train features the indigenous Automatic Train Protection system KAVACH, along with an emergency talk back system to ensure immediate communication in critical situations. Apart from these, the train has CCTV cameras on all coaches. Automatic exterior passenger doors further add to passenger safety and convenience.

Overall, India’s first Vande Bharat Sleeper train service is expected to emerge as a strong travel option for passengers commuting between Kolkata and Guwahati. It will offer shorter travel time compared to existing trains, advanced features, regional cuisine onboard, etc.