Kamakhya–Howrah Vande Bharat Sleeper Express

• The Vande Bharat Sleeper train is India's first long-distance sleeper variant of the Vande Bharat train series, designed for overnight travel with fully air-conditioned sleeper coaches and modern amenities. • The first rake's carbody structure was inaugurated on 9 March 2024 at the BEML Ltd manufacturing facility in Bangalore, marking the beginning of production. • The prototype and components were developed and assembled by Bharat Earth Movers Limited (BEML) using technology from the Integral Coach Factory (ICF). • After comprehensive trials, including high-speed runs up to 180 km/h, the train was certified for passenger service. • Indian Railways officially announced that the first Vande Bharat Sleeper train will operate between (West Bengal) and (Guwahati, Assam). • The train would run at a maximum speed of 110 km/h from on the Howrah–New Jalpaiguri section (BAK loop) and New Jalpaiguri–New Bongaigaon section, to on the New Bongaigaon–Rangiya–Kamakhya line. ==Schedule==

;Abbreviations • DTC – Driving Trailer Coach • NDTC – Non-Driving Trailer Coach • MC – Motor Coach • MC2 – Motor Coach with electrical change-over switch • TC – Trailer Coach having Pantograph • 3AC – Three-Tier AC class • 2AC – Two-Tier AC class • 1AC – First AC class • Primary Maintenance – Howrah Fare structure The one-way fare for the Vande Bharat Sleeper Express (Howrah–Kamakhya) / (Kamakhya–Howrah) is as follows: Besides, the train will have no provision for RAC or Tatkal tickets, and the minimum chargeable distance would be 400 km, even if less distance is covered by the passengers. ==Testing and trials ==

In December 2025, the Vande Bharat sleeper trainset successfully completed high-speed trial runs on the Kota–Nagda section of the Indian Railways network. During the trials, the train achieved speeds of around 180 km/h under the supervision of the Commissioner of Railway Safety (CRS). Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw shared a video of the trial on social media, highlighting the train's stability and ride quality at high speed. As part of the demonstration, glasses filled with water were placed inside the coach and were reported to remain steady throughout the run, indicating minimal vibration. According to Indian Railways officials, the successful trials are part of the certification process for the Vande Bharat sleeper trainset, which is designed for long-distance overnight travel and has a maximum design speed of 200 km/h. ==See also==