Howrah-Kamakhya Vande Bharat sleeper fares announced

Vande Bharat sleeper fares have been announced ahead of the launch of Indian Railways’ first overnight service in this category. Prime Minister Narendra Modi is expected to inaugurate the train on January 17 between Howrah and Kamakhya (Guwahati).

Developed in-house by Indian Railways, the fully air-conditioned trainset is intended for long-distance night travel. It is also meant for journeys of around 1,200 to 1,500 kilometres across states during night hours.

Vande Bharat sleeper train ticket prices on the Howrah-Guwahati route

As reported by The Indian Express, the first Vande Bharat Sleeper Express will run between Howrah and Kamakhya (Guwahati) over a distance of 958 kilometres. The train will have 11 AC-3 tier coaches, four AC-2 tier coaches and one AC First coach. Its capacity is 823 passengers.

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For passengers travelling from Howrah to Guwahati, the AC-3 tier fare has been set at Rs 2,299 plus 5% GST. In the same class, the fare from Howrah to New Jalpaiguri is Rs 1,334. The fare from Howrah to Malda Town is Rs 960.

Meanwhile, the AC-2 tier fare between Howrah and Guwahati will be Rs 2,970 plus 5% GST. A ticket from Howrah to New Jalpaiguri in this class will cost Rs 1,724. Travel from Howrah to Malda Town is priced at Rs 1,240.

Also, the fare for AC First passengers from Howrah to Guwahati has been fixed at Rs 3,640 plus 5% GST. The corresponding fare from Howrah to New Jalpaiguri is Rs 2,113. The fare from Howrah to Malda Town will be Rs 1,520.

In addition, Indian Railways has fixed fares for other sections on the route. Between Kamakhya and Malda Town, ticket prices are Rs 1,522 in AC-3 tier, Rs 1,965 in AC-2 and Rs 2,409 in 1AC. Between Kamakhya and New Jalpaiguri, the fare will be Rs 962 for AC-3, Rs 1,243 for AC-2 and Rs 1,524 for 1AC. For the Vande Bharat sleeper service, the minimum chargeable distance for fare calculation has been fixed at 400 km.

Vande Bharat sleeper features and top speed

According to a PIB release, during trials on the Kota-Nagda section, the Vande Bharat sleeper reached its designed top speed of 180 kmph. For example, one demonstration during testing showed glasses filled with water remaining steady without spilling even when the train was running above 180 kmph. The train is designed for semi-high-speed service of up to 160 kmph in regular operations. Trial runs, however, were conducted at 180 kmph.

Still, actual operating speed will depend on track conditions and infrastructure capability across different sections of the network. At the same time, the sleeper version is positioned as the long-distance, overnight counterpart to the Vande Bharat chair car trains already in service across India.

Onboard facilities, safety systems and overnight travel design

As PIB notes, the sleeper coaches draw inspiration from European rail design. They include cushioned berths for improved comfort. They also include modified access to upper berths for easier movement.

Also, passenger amenities include soft night lighting, integrated audio-visual passenger information systems, CCTV surveillance and modular pantry units.

In addition, the train will feature aircraft-style bio-vacuum toilets. These include facilities for persons with disabilities, baby care areas and shower units with hot water in the first-class coach.

Meanwhile, safety systems include the indigenous KAVACH anti-collision technology. Regenerative braking will also be used to improve energy efficiency. This is in line with existing Vande Bharat chair car trains.

Separately, additional features include sealed gangways and automatic inter-coach doors to help maintain air quality and cabin temperature. Passengers will also have access to personal reading lights, charging points, foldable snack tables and interiors finished with GFRP panels.

Train doors are set to open automatically at designated stations. A centralised coach monitoring system, together with emergency communication facilities, will allow passengers to contact the locomotive pilot directly when required.

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