Prime Minister Narendra Modi on January 17, 2026, flagged off India's highly anticipated first Vande Bharat Sleeper train. The groundbreaking service connects Howrah Junction in West Bengal with Kamakhya Junction (Guwahati) in Assam, promising a significant upgrade in overnight rail travel for the region. The inauguration ceremony took place at Malda Town Railway Station in West Bengal, with the Prime Minister also virtually launching the return Guwahati–Howrah service. This new Vande Bharat variant is India's first fully air-conditioned sleeper train, specifically designed for long-distance overnight journeys, departing from the chair-car format of existing Vande Bharat Express trains. It features 16 modern coaches, including 11 AC 3-tier, four AC 2-tier, and one AC First Class coach, with a total passenger capacity of 823. Passengers can expect an 'airline-like travel experience' at economical fares, enhanced by ergonomic berths, modern interiors, automatic doors, and advanced safety systems like KAVACH. The train is expected to reduce the travel time on the Howrah–Guwahati route by approximately 2.5 hours, completing the journey in about 14 hours. Fares range from Rs 2,300 for 3rd AC to Rs 3,600 for 1st AC, including meals featuring regional cuisines. Developed by BEML using Integral Coach Factory (ICF) technology, this launch marks a crucial step in modernizing Indian Railways infrastructure and boosting connectivity in Eastern and Northeastern India.