India is set to launch its first Vande Bharat Sleeper train on January 17, 2026, marking a significant milestone for Indian Railways. The inaugural service will connect Howrah Junction in West Bengal with Kamakhya Junction (Guwahati) in Assam, promising to revolutionize overnight rail travel in the country. Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to flag off the train from Malda, West Bengal, highlighting the national importance of this infrastructure project. This new Vande Bharat Sleeper Express is specifically designed for long-distance overnight journeys, departing from both termini in the early evening and arriving the next morning, covering approximately 968 km in about 14 hours. Unlike the existing Vande Bharat chair-car trains, this variant features fully air-conditioned sleeper coaches, including AC First Class, AC Two-tier, and AC Three-tier accommodations. The 16-coach train can carry up to 823 passengers and is equipped with modern amenities such as aircraft-style bio-vacuum toilets, comfortable cushioned berths, improved suspension for a smoother ride, and advanced safety features like the KAVACH anti-collision system and CCTV surveillance. The development of the Vande Bharat Sleeper train involved extensive trials, with the first prototype unveiled in September 2024 and high-speed trial runs completed in December 2025. Officials anticipate that this service will significantly reduce end-to-end journey time compared to existing express trains on the route, enhancing connectivity between eastern and northeastern India. The introduction of the Vande Bharat Sleeper trains is a strategic move to modernize India's rail network, offering a premium, faster, and more comfortable alternative for overnight inter-state travel.