\n<\/p>\n
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday, January 17, flagged off India\u2019s first sleeper Vande Bharat train connecting Howrah and Kamakhya during his two-day visit to West Bengal. The inauguration ceremony was held in Malda.<\/p>\n
Unlike existing Vande Bharat trains that operate as chair-car services, this is the first version designed for overnight travel. The train will run six days a week in both directions, departing Howrah at 6.20 pm and Kamakhya at 6.15 pm, and will complete the journey in about 14 hours.<\/p>\n
The service is aimed at making long-distance travel between eastern India and the Northeast more comfortable and time-efficient.<\/p>\n
What makes this sleeper Vande Bharat different<\/strong><\/p>\n The new Vande Bharat is meant for overnight journeys and comes with sleeper coaches instead of only seating arrangements. The interiors of the train were showcased ahead of the launch, highlighting its modern design.<\/p>\n According to the Railways, the train will not have a RAC or waitlist facility, meaning only confirmed ticket holders will be allowed to travel. Fares start at \u20b9960 and go up to \u20b913,300, depending on the class.<\/p>\n Union Railways Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw said local cuisine from Bengal and Assam would be served on board.<\/p>\n How travellers are expected to benefit<\/strong><\/p>\n The new service is expected to help passengers travelling frequently between West Bengal and Assam by offering a direct overnight option. By cutting down travel time and running at night, the train allows passengers to save daytime hours.<\/p>\n Speaking at the event, Prime Minister Modi said the train connects \u201cthe land of Ma Kali with the land of Ma Kamakhya\u201d and added that the new services would bring ease of travel and trade.<\/p>\n He also said foreign nationals are making videos of Indian trains and sharing how the rail system has changed. The Prime Minister added that the Vande Bharat trains are made in India and that Indian Railways is becoming more modern and self-sufficient.<\/p>\n More trains launched from West Bengal<\/strong><\/p>\n Along with the sleeper Vande Bharat, four other trains were also launched virtually:<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
\n<\/ul>\n These Amrit Bharat Express trains will connect West Bengal to different parts of the country, including southern and western India.<\/p>\n The launches come at a time when West Bengal is heading towards elections.<\/p>\n Senior BJP leaders, including Sukanta Majumdar, Suvendu Adhikari, and Samik Bhattacharya, were present at the event, along with Governor C.V. Ananda Bose.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n
<\/p>\n