Indian Railways is all set to launch a new Vande Bharat Sleeper train service on the busy Delhi-Howrah route, enhancing travel options for long-distance passengers. This will be the third premium train operating on this route after the renowned Rajdhani Express and Duronto Express.
The Vande Bharat Sleeper train, developed by Bharat Earth Movers Limited (BEML) in collaboration with the Integral Coach Factory (ICF), was officially unveiled by Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw in September 2024. With its introduction, Indian Railways aims to provide a high-speed, comfortable overnight journey experience.
Fastest Train on the Route
Covering a distance of 1,449 kilometers in under 15 hours, the Vande Bharat Sleeper will be the fastest train between New Delhi and Howrah. Designed for a top speed of 160 kmph, it will outpace both the Rajdhani and Duronto Express, setting a new benchmark for speed and efficiency in Indian Railways’ long-distance travel segment.
Route and Stoppages
The train will make halts at key stations en route, ensuring connectivity to major cities. The scheduled stoppages include Kanpur Central, Prayagraj Junction, Pt. Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Junction, Gaya Junction, Dhanbad Junction, and Asansol Junction.
Coach Composition and Fare
The Vande Bharat Sleeper train will comprise 16 coaches: 11 AC 3-tier coaches, 4 AC 2-tier coaches, and 1 First Class AC coach. The fare structure is expected to be approximately ₹3,000 for AC 3-tier, ₹4,000 for AC 2-tier, and ₹5,100 for First Class AC, positioning it competitively among premium travel services.
Timings
According to the proposed schedule, the train will depart from New Delhi at 5:00 PM and arrive at Howrah Junction at 8:00 AM the next day. For the return journey, it will leave Howrah at 5:00 PM and reach the national capital at 8:00 AM.
With the launch of this service, Indian Railways continues its push for modernization and enhanced passenger comfort, offering a high-speed alternative to traditional overnight trains on one of the country’s most vital corridors.
