India's first Vande Bharat Sleeper train is scheduled for a significant launch on January 17, 2026, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi expected to flag off the service. This new semi-high-speed train aims to revolutionize long-distance overnight travel in the country. The inaugural service will connect Howrah in West Bengal with Kamakhya (Guwahati) in Assam, marking a crucial enhancement in connectivity for Eastern and Northeastern India. Commercial operations are anticipated to commence shortly after the flag-off, likely from January 18. Extensive reports highlight the Vande Bharat Sleeper's advanced features, positioning it as superior to the existing Rajdhani Express trains. Key improvements include enhanced passenger comfort with better-cushioned berths and redesigned ladders for easier access to upper berths. The train boasts a jerk-free ride thanks to improved couplers and is a self-propelled 'engineless' unit, allowing for faster acceleration and deceleration, thereby reducing travel times. Other notable features encompass fully sealed gangways ensuring a dust-free environment, advanced fire safety standards meeting EN 45545 HL3, modular pantries, sensor-based lighting, and bio-vacuum toilets. Safety is further bolstered by the indigenous KAVACH anti-collision system and CCTV surveillance. The train has a design speed of 180 kmph, with operational speeds expected up to 160 kmph. The 16-coach prototype, manufactured by BEML in collaboration with the Integral Coach Factory (ICF), will accommodate 823 passengers across AC First Class, AC 2-tier, and AC 3-tier coaches. Trial runs, including high-speed tests at 180 kmph on sections like Kota-Nagda, have been successfully completed, validating the train's stability and technical efficiency. Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw showcased these trials, demonstrating the train's smooth ride even at high speeds. This launch signifies a major leap in modernizing India's railway infrastructure, offering a premium, comfortable, and efficient travel alternative for long-distance journeys.