Indian Railways is set to revolutionize overnight rail travel with the imminent launch of its first Vande Bharat Sleeper Express. A significant departure from conventional train services, these new trains will operate on a 'confirmed tickets only' policy, entirely eliminating the provision for Reservation Against Cancellation (RAC) or waitlisted berths. This key change was formally notified by the Railway Board in a circular issued on January 9, 2026, ensuring all available berths are open for booking from the start of the Advance Reservation Period. The inaugural Vande Bharat Sleeper train is scheduled to connect Howrah in West Bengal with Guwahati (Kamakhya) in Assam, a crucial route aimed at enhancing connectivity and reducing travel time between Eastern India and the Northeast. Prime Minister Narendra Modi is expected to flag off the service around January 17-18, 2026. Passengers should note that the fares for the Vande Bharat Sleeper Express will be set higher than existing premium trains like the Rajdhani Express, reflecting its advanced features and faster service. The fare structure is distance-based, with a minimum chargeable distance of 400 km, meaning passengers will be charged for at least this distance regardless of their actual journey length. For a 1,000 km journey, such as the Howrah-Guwahati route, estimated fares are ₹2,400 for 3AC, ₹3,100 for 2AC, and ₹3,800 for 1AC, exclusive of GST. The trains will feature modern AC sleeper coaches, ergonomically designed berths, personal amenities like reading lights and charging points, enhanced soundproofing, KAVACH anti-collision technology, and automatic doors, promising a comfortable and safe journey while significantly reducing travel duration.