• Source:JND

Union Railways Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw on Thursday announced that ticket fares will be substantially lower compared to air travel. He also said the first Vande Bharat sleeper service will run on the Guwahati-Kolkata route and will be flagged off by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in the coming days.

Guwahati-Kolkata Vande Bharat Sleeper Train 

1. Airfares on the Guwahati-Howrah route usually range between Rs 6,000 and Rs 8,000 and can go up to Rs 10,000 at times.

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2. The Vande Bharat Sleeper train’s 3AC fare from Guwahati to Howrah will be about Rs 2,300, including food.

3. The 2AC fare is expected to be around Rs 3,000.

4. The First AC fare will be approximately Rs 3,600.

He said the train will begin operations in the next 15-20 days, likely around January 18 as a request has been sent to the prime minister. "I will announce the exact date in the next two to three days," Vaishnaw said, calling the development a major milestone for the country.

Other Important Details About Guwahati-Kolkata Vande Bharat Sleeper Train

Speed And Route

The 16-coach Vande Bharat Sleeper train between Guwahati and Kolkata has a design speed of 180 kmph, though it will operate at 120–130 kmph. It will pass through major districts of Assam and West Bengal.

Affordable Per-Kilometre Fare

The per-kilometre fare will be Rs 3.8 for 1AC, Rs 3.1 for 2AC, and Rs 2.4 for 3AC, significantly reducing travel costs between the two states.

Coach Composition and Capacity

The train has a total capacity of 823 berths, including 11 coaches of 3AC, four coaches of 2AC, and one 1AC coach.

Berth Distribution

Out of 823 berths, 611 are in 3AC, 188 in 2AC, and 24 in 1AC.

Guwahati-Kolkata Vande Bharat Sleeper Train: Disinfectant Technology And Key Features

1. The train is equipped with advanced disinfectant technology capable of killing 99.9% of germs, along with ergonomically designed berths, improved cushioning, automatic doors with vestibules, superior suspension, reduced noise levels, the Kavach automatic train protection system, and an emergency talk-back facility to ensure safety, comfort, and high sanitation standards.

2. Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw said production is being accelerated, with eight more trains expected to be ready for operation within six months, and a total of 12 trains scheduled to be introduced by the end of this year. From next year onward, production will expand rapidly as the full supply chain becomes operational.

3. Catering services will reflect regional flavours: trains originating from Guwahati will serve Assamese cuisine, while those starting from Kolkata will offer Bengali food.

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Railways Minister further added, "The complete testing and certification of the Vande Bharat sleeper train has been completed. Its first route is proposed to be Guwahati-Kolkata. Prime Minister Narendra Modi will flag off the first Vande Bharat sleeper train on this route in the coming days. This achievement is a major milestone. The Vande Bharat sleeper train will provide passengers with world-class facilities, safety, and a modern travel experience on long-distance overnight journeys."


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