PM Modi Flags Off India’s First Vande Bharat Sleeper Train: Howrah-Guwahati Route Revolutionized

• Prime Minister Narendra Modi flagged off India’s first Vande Bharat Sleeper Train between Howrah and Guwahati (Kamakhya) from Malda Town Railway Station.
• The fully air-conditioned sleeper train aims to enhance long-distance travel, offering an airline-like experience at economical fares and reducing travel time by 2.5 hours.
• The train has a design speed of 180 kmph, features 16 coaches (11 3-tier, 4 2-tier, 1 1st AC), and is equipped with Kavach and Emergency talk back systems.
• It has a total capacity of 823 passengers, with fares starting from Rs 960 for AC 3-tier, making it a more affordable option compared to flights.
• Passengers will enjoy improved facilities, transparent ticketing, uniform-wearing staff, and local cuisine (Assamese from Guwahati, Bengali from Kolkata).

Why It Matters: India's first Vande Bharat Sleeper Train launched, promising faster, more comfortable, and affordable long-distance rail travel.