Indian Railways Unveils Vande Bharat Sleeper Train with High-Speed Trials
Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw has announced the completion of testing for the Vande Bharat sleeper train, with the inaugural route set between Guwahati and Kolkata. The train, designed for long-distance travel, features 16 coaches and can accommodate 823 passengers. High-speed trials have demonstrated its capability to reach speeds of 180 km/h, showcasing impressive stability. The fare structure has also been revealed, starting at ₹2,300 for AC three-tier. Read on for more details about this innovative addition to Indian Railways.
| Jan 1, 2026, 15:04 IST
Major Announcement on Vande Bharat Sleeper Train
On Thursday, Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw made a significant announcement regarding the Vande Bharat sleeper train. He stated that the government has completed the testing, inspection, and certification of the Vande Bharat sleeper train, with the first route selected between Guwahati and Kolkata. Prime Minister Narendra Modi is expected to inaugurate the Vande Bharat sleeper train in the latter half of January 2026. This fully air-conditioned train has been designed by Indian Railways for long-distance routes and overnight travel.
Details of the Sleeper Train
According to Vaishnaw, two Vande Bharat sleeper trains are ready and have successfully undergone trials. These new trains will operate on routes with speeds ranging from 120 to 150 km/h. Each Vande Bharat sleeper train consists of 16 coaches, including 11 AC three-tier, 4 AC two-tier, and 1 AC first-class coach, accommodating a total of 823 passengers. Vaishnaw also mentioned that eight more Vande Bharat sleeper trains will be launched in the next six months, bringing the total to 12 by the end of the year.
High-Speed Trials and Performance
Recently, Ashwini Vaishnaw shared a video on X (formerly known as Twitter) showcasing the high-speed trials of the train on the Indian Railways network. During tests conducted on the Kota-Nagda route, the Vande Bharat sleeper train achieved its maximum design speed of 180 km/h. A notable aspect of the trial was its stability performance, where glasses filled with water remained perfectly balanced even at speeds exceeding 180 km/h, with no water spilling.
Fare Structure for Passengers
In his post on X, Vaishnaw noted that the Vande Bharat sleeper train was tested by the Railway Safety Commissioner today, running at 180 km/h on the Kota-Nagda section. Our water test demonstrated the technical features of this next-generation train. According to Indian Railways, the one-way fare for the Vande Bharat sleeper train between Guwahati and Kolkata will start at ₹2,300.
Vande Bharat Sleeper AC (3-tier) fare: ₹2,300
Vande Bharat Sleeper AC (2-tier) fare: ₹3,000
Vande Bharat Sleeper AC (First Class) fare: ₹3,600