India's inaugural Vande Bharat Sleeper train, slated to operate between Howrah Junction in West Bengal and Kamakhya Junction (Guwahati) in Assam, is set to be virtually flagged off by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on January 17, 2026. This marks a significant milestone in Indian Railways' efforts to modernize long-distance overnight travel, expanding the Vande Bharat portfolio beyond its existing chair car services. The service is poised to significantly boost connectivity between Eastern and North-Eastern India, reducing travel time on the approximately 968 km route from about 17 hours to around 14 hours, a saving of nearly three hours compared to current fastest trains. Ticket booking for this fully air-conditioned semi-high-speed train is anticipated to commence soon, with various credible sources, including the original Indian Express article itself, indicating its imminent start. Passengers should note key booking regulations: only confirmed tickets will be issued, eliminating the provisions for Reservation Against Cancellation (RAC) or waitlisted tickets. Special quotas will be available for ladies, persons with disabilities (PwD), senior citizens, and duty pass holders. The 16-coach train will comprise one AC First Class, four AC Two-Tier, and eleven AC Three-Tier coaches, accommodating 823 passengers. Designed for speeds up to 180 kmph, the train prioritizes passenger comfort and safety, featuring ergonomic sleeping berths, automatic sliding doors, the indigenous KAVACH anti-collision system, CCTV surveillance, emergency talk-back units, modern bio-vacuum toilets, and USB charging points. The fare structure will be distance-based, with a minimum chargeable distance of 400 km. This initiative is expected to redefine overnight rail travel, offering a premium, faster, and more comfortable journey experience.