Vande Bharat Sleeper Train Faces Security Alert Ahead of PM Modi’s Programme

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to flag off India’s first Vande Bharat Sleeper Train today. Ahead of this landmark event, security agencies have been placed on high alert.

The Prime Minister is visiting Malda in West Bengal, where the inaugural run of the Vande Bharat Sleeper Train will take place. In the run-up to the programme, Eastern Railway has written to the state police, expressing concerns over a possible deterioration of law and order. The railway authorities have requested the deployment of additional security forces in Malda and surrounding areas.

According to railway sources, intelligence inputs suggest that anti-social elements may attempt to create disturbances during the Prime Minister’s event. There are also concerns that stone-pelting incidents could occur soon after the Vande Bharat Sleeper Train begins its journey.

Sensitive locations identified in the intelligence inputs include Malda, Jamirghata, Khaltipur, Chamagaram, Sankopara, New Farakka, Ballalpur, Dhulian, Basudevpur, and Tildanga. These areas are considered vulnerable to potential acts of vandalism or attempts to disrupt train operations while the train passes through them.

Additionally, there is a possibility of black flag demonstrations against the Prime Minister during the visit. In view of these inputs, the Railways have instructed authorities to ensure tight security arrangements at railway stations, along trackside areas, and around the programme venue to prevent any untoward incident.

India’s First Vande Bharat Sleeper Train Set to Begin Service on Kamakhya–Howrah Route

Indian Railways is accelerating its push toward modern overnight rail travel with plans to introduce the country’s first Vande Bharat Sleeper train, and key operational details for its debut run on the Kamakhya (Guwahati)–Howrah (Kolkata) route have now surfaced.

According to an internal memorandum, the Northeast Frontier Railway (NFR) submitted tentative operating schedules to the Railway Board on December 15, 2025. The document confirms that the premium sleeper service is being planned as a fast, dedicated overnight train, designed to enhance long-distance connectivity between Eastern and Northeastern India. The self-propelled train set is expected to cover the 966 km journey in approximately 14 hours and 30 minutes, achieving an average speed of 66.62 kmph.

Proposed Overnight Timings

As per the draft schedule, the train will depart Kamakhya (KYQ) at 7:00 PM and arrive at Howrah (HWH) at 9:30 AM the following morning. For the return journey, departure from Howrah is planned at 6:00 PM, with arrival at Kamakhya at 8:30 AM the next day.

A key halt has been proposed at Malda Town (MLDT), where the train will stop for 10 minutes—from 4:50 AM to 5:00 AM on the down run and 10:30 PM to 10:40 PM on the up run.

The service is currently planned to run six days a week, with primary maintenance at Kamakhya and secondary maintenance at Howrah.

Improved Regional Connectivity

Within the NFR zone, the proposed stoppages include Rangiya, Barpeta Road, New Bongaigaon, Kokrajhar, New Cooch Behar, New Jalpaiguri, and Kishanganj. These halts are expected to provide faster and more comfortable travel options for passengers across multiple districts in Assam and West Bengal.

Modern Features & Passenger Comfort

As per available information, the Vande Bharat Sleeper train will comprise 16 fully air-conditioned coaches, offering AC First Class, AC Two-Tier, and AC Three-Tier accommodations, with a total capacity of around 823 passengers. The indigenous train has successfully completed high-speed trials up to 180 kmph and is equipped with the KAVACH anti-collision system, highlighting Indian Railways’ focus on safety and advanced technology.

While official fares are yet to be announced, early estimates suggest that the AC 3-tier fare between Guwahati and Kolkata could be around ₹2,300 for a one-way journey.

Indian Railways announces fare hike effective December 26 – here’s what passengers need to know

The Railway Ministry on Sunday announced a marginal increase in passenger train fares, which will come into effect from December 26, 2025.

As per the revised structure, ordinary class passengers travelling beyond 215 km will have to pay an additional 1 paise per kilometre. For Mail and Express trains, fares for non-AC classes will increase by 2 paise per kilometre, while the same 2 paise per kilometre hike will apply to all AC classes across trains.

The Ministry has clarified that there will be no fare increase for suburban train services. Additionally, passengers travelling up to 215 km in ordinary class on non-suburban routes will continue to pay the existing fares, offering relief to short-distance travellers and daily commuters.

Railway officials stated that this fare revision is expected to generate around ₹600 crore in additional revenue for Indian Railways between December 26, 2025 and March 31, 2026. The funds are likely to be used to support operational costs, infrastructure maintenance, and passenger amenities.

The Ministry also highlighted that the previous fare hike implemented in July 2025 has already resulted in approximately ₹700 crore in revenue, indicating a steady contribution from incremental fare adjustments.

Overall, while the hike is minimal on a per-kilometre basis, long-distance and AC travellers may notice a slight increase in ticket prices, whereas daily suburban and short-route passengers remain unaffected.