PM to launch first Vande Bharat sleeper this month, Pg7

Key Highlights:

• India's first Vande Bharat sleeper train will run between Kolkata (Howrah) and Guwahati (Kamakhya).
• The train service will be launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi by January 20, 2026.
• The train will traverse nine districts of West Bengal and Assam, with 10 stops.
• The Mumbai-Ahmedabad High Speed Rail project's first section is expected to be ready by August 15, 2027.
• The Vande Bharat sleeper has a total passenger capacity of 823, with fares of Rs 2300 (3AC), Rs 3000 (2AC), and Rs 3600 (1AC).
• The train completed its final high-speed trial on December 30, 2025, achieving a maximum speed of 180 kmph.

Detailed Insights:

• The Vande Bharat sleeper train is part of the government's Purvodaya initiatives for the holistic development of the Northeast region.
• The train will have 16 coaches, including 11 3AC, four 2AC, and one 1AC, operating as overnight trains with no dynamic pricing.
• The train includes features like ergonomically designed berths, automatic doors, enhanced ride comfort, Kavach system, and disinfectant technology.
• The Railways plans to roll out eight Vande Bharat sleeper trains in the next six months and 12 by the end of the year, with a total of 200 planned.
• The train is completely made in India, with all three important systems designed indigenously, costing Rs 8-8.5 crore per coach.
• The Mumbai-Ahmedabad High Speed Rail project is expected to be completed by December 2029.

Key Concepts Involved:

• Kavach: An automatic train protection system to enhance railway safety.
• Purvodaya: Government initiatives focused on the holistic development of the Northeast region.
• Dynamic Pricing: A pricing strategy where fares fluctuate based on demand and other factors.