Particle.news
Download on the App Store

Modi Flags Off India’s First Vande Bharat Sleeper on HowrahKamakhya Route

Some fares, timings and booking policies remain provisional as Indian Railways finalizes commercial operations.

Overview

  • Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the service at Malda Town, presented as a new overnight link between Bengal and Assam.
  • The train has 16 fully air‑conditioned coaches — 11 Third AC, 4 Second AC and 1 First AC — for a reported total capacity of 823 passengers.
  • The roughly 958 km journey is targeted at about 14 hours, with a design top speed of 180 km/h and expected commercial speeds near 130 km/h.
  • Safety and comfort features reported include the KAVACH automatic train protection system, CCTV, emergency talk‑back units, automatic sliding doors, bio‑vacuum toilets and UVC‑based air disinfection.
  • Media reports list estimated fares of about ₹2,299 (3A), ₹2,970 (2A) and ₹3,640 (1A) and suggest confirmed‑ticket‑only bookings, with the inaugural run operated as a special and regular services to begin soon.