Image Credit: Kinet Railway Solutions

You may think of Europe or Japan when thinking about rail travel, however, one of the world’s largest rail networks is located in India. Yep, transporting around 20 million passengers a day. And now, the country is  expanding its flagship rail service with 120 new overnight trains. These trains have been designed for faster and more comfortable journeys. Each new train featuring 16 air-conditioned coaches with sleeping berths and Wi-Fi.

The first Vande Bharat Sleeper Train launched in January 2026 and runs between Howrah (Kolkata) and Kamakhya. Additional trains have followed and will continue to follow.

The inaugural Vande Bharat Sleeper Train, known as the Kamakhya-Howrah Vande Bharat Sleeper, runs from Howrah, on the other side of the river from Kolkata, to Kamakhya in the northeastern reaches of India, home to the ancient Kamakhya Temple. The 14 hour journey passes around the neighbouring country of Bangladesh. It is stopping in towns like Malda and Jalpaiguri, and providing access to Darjeeling.

In recent testing, the Vande Bharat Express reached speeds of over 100 mph.

The new Kamakhya-Howrah Vande Bharat Sleeper train features wide windows and amenities like air-conditioning, bench seats that transition into beds, family-sized berths, onboard catering, electric outlets, reading lights, and roller blinds. The sleeper trains also boast hot showers and onboard Wi-Fi.

There are three classes of accommodation on the Vande Bharat Sleeper Train. The highest tier is First AC, which have bench seats that transform into lie-flat beds and upper, stair-accessed sleeping bunks with ample headroom. There are also four Second AC and 11 Third AC coaches.

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Source: Travel + Leisure