PM flags off five new trains, including nation’s first Vande Bharat sleeper train

Prime Minister Narendra Modi flagged off five train services including the country’s first and much awaited Vande Bharat Sleeper trains connecting Howrah to Guwahati (Kamakhya) at Malda station today.

Later at a public programme in Malda, the PM also dedicated to the nation, and laid the foundation stone of multiple rail and road infrastructure projects, worth Rs 3,250 crore, aimed at strengthening connectivity and accelerating development in Bengal and the North East.

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The train categorised as a premium train by the national carrier includes 16 air-conditioned coaches, designed to offer long-distance overnight comfort. Of the 16 coaches, 11 are AC-3 tier coaches, four are AC-2 tier coaches and one is first AC coach. The train’s overall passenger capacity is 823. The new train is said to have an edge over other similar trains as it offers a host of passenger amenities such as soft night lighting, passenger information systems, CCTV cameras, modular pantry units, sealed gangways and automatic inter-coach doors to maintain air quality and temperature, reading lights, charging points, foldable snack tables with bottle holders and interiors finished with GFRP panels.

The berths of Vande Bharat sleeper have been made with better cushioning and the ladder to reach the upper berths has been improved to enable easier access. As learnt from the railway officials, during the inaugural journey in the train today, Vande Bharat sleeper trains have modern bio-vacuum toilets similar to those in aircrafts. The toilets have modular fittings, and there is a toilet for divyangjans as well with easy wheelchair access. According to Indian Railways, advanced disinfectant technology will be used to maintain superior sanitation levels. The First AC coach also has a shower cubicle. Some of the striking features of the premium train include AC duct like planes and the talk back system wherein the passengers would be able to talk to the train driver directly if need arises.

The train has automatic doors that are operated by the loco pilot and a centralised coach monitoring system. The train has a driving cabin at each end eliminating need for locomotive reversal, ensuring faster turnaround time.

According to official sources, for journeys up to 400 km, fares start at Rs 960 (3-AC), Rs 1,240 (2-AC) and Rs 1,520 (1-AC). For trips up to 800 km, the fares are Rs 1,920 (3-AC), Rs 2,480 (2-AC) and Rs 3,040 (1-AC). For journeys up to 1,600 km, the fares are Rs 3,840 (3-AC), Rs 4,960 (2-AC) and Rs 6,080 (1-AC), according to official sources.

The fares of the premium train start at Rs 2,299 plus GST for AC-3 tier trip between Guwahati and Howrah. The fare for AC-2 tier is Rs 2,970 and Rs 3,640 for first AC travel. The tickets for Howrah to New Jalpaiguri and Malda Town will start at Rs 1,334 and Rs 960, respectively. For a journey from Kamakhya to Howrah, the fares to Malda Town have been fixed at Rs 1,522 for AC-3 tier, Rs 1,965 for AC-2 tier and Rs 2,409 for first AC, while travel between Kamakhya and New Jalpaiguri would will cost Rs 962 in AC-3, Rs 1,243 in AC-2 and Rs 1,524 in First AC.

Addressing the gathering on the occasion, Mr Modi said that from Malda today, the campaign to accelerate the progress of West Bengal has gained further momentum. He emphasised that the new train maintenance facilities established here will provide fresh opportunities for the youth of Bengal. Talking about the launch of the premium train he pointed out that the new Vande Bharat sleeper train will make long journeys for citizens more comfortable and emphasised that the vision of how trains in a developed India should be is clearly reflected in this Vande Bharat sleeper train.

“Indian Railways is becoming not only modern but also self-reliant,” said Mr Modi. He also reiterated that that in the coming time, this modern train will expand across the nation and congratulated Bengal, Assam, and the entire country for this modern sleeper train.

The other four trains flagged off by the PM today include Amrit Bharat Express trains between New Jalpaiguri–Nagercoil Amrit Bharat Express, New Jalpaiguri–Tiruchirappalli Amrit Bharat Express, Alipurduar–Bengaluru Amrit Bharat Express, and Alipurduar–Mumbai Amrit Bharat Express.