Overview
- Prime Minister Narendra Modi flagged off India’s first Vande Bharat Sleeper from Malda, linking Howrah to Kamakhya, with 16 coaches, 823 seats and a design speed up to 180 kmph.
- Hours after the launch, a video believed to be from the inaugural run showed empty cups and used spoons scattered on a coach floor and circulated widely online.
- The clip renewed scrutiny of passenger behaviour, with Reddit users condemning the littering and some proposing fines or blocking PNRs to deter repeat offenders.
- Indian Railways Chief Project Manager Ananth Rupanagudi urged travelers to follow toilet instructions and respect public property when using the new service.
- A senior official told PTI the sleeper is not yet available for common-passenger bookings, and work is underway to add it to the booking system with no start date decided.