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.

Narasapur–Chennai Vande Bharat Express: Train Number, Fare, Schedule, Route and Key Details

Indian Railways is set to boost semi-high-speed rail connectivity between Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu with the launch of the Narasapur–Chennai Vande Bharat Express. The new service will start commercial operations from December 15, offering faster travel, limited halts and modern onboard facilities for passengers.

While the Vande Bharat service from Narasapur to Chennai will begin on December 15, the Chennai to Narasapur service will commence from December 17. This extension is expected to significantly reduce journey time and improve intercity connectivity along the busy coastal corridor.

Official announcement by Southern Railway

According to Southern Railway, the existing Dr MGR Chennai Central–Vijayawada Vande Bharat Express (Train No. 20677/20678) will be extended up to Narasapur.

Train No. 20677 (Dr MGR Chennai Central–Vijayawada Vande Bharat Express), which runs six days a week except Tuesdays, will be extended to Narasapur from December 17, 2025. Train No. 20678 (Vijayawada–Dr MGR Chennai Central Vande Bharat Express) will be inaugurated and extended to run from Narasapur starting December 15, 2025.

Narasapur–Chennai Vande Bharat: Distance and travel time

The Narasapur–Chennai Vande Bharat Express will cover a distance of approximately 655 kilometres in around 8 hours and 55 minutes, making it one of the fastest rail options on this route.

Narasapur–Chennai Vande Bharat stoppages

During its journey between Dr MGR Chennai Central and Narasapur, the Vande Bharat Express will halt at seven key stations:

Renigunta Junction Nellore Ongole Tenali Junction Vijayawada Junction Gudivada Junction Bhimavaram Town

These stops ensure connectivity for major cities and towns across Andhra Pradesh.

Narasapur–Chennai Vande Bharat timetable

Train No. 20677 (Chennai → Narasapur) Departs Dr MGR Chennai Central at 05:30 hrs Arrives at Narasapur at 14:10 hrs Train No. 20678 (Narasapur → Chennai) Departs Narasapur at 14:50 hrs Reaches Dr MGR Chennai Central at 23:45 hrs

Why this Vande Bharat train matters

The introduction of the Narasapur–Chennai Vande Bharat Express is expected to benefit daily commuters, business travellers and tourists by offering shorter travel time, improved comfort and reliable scheduling, strengthening rail links between coastal Andhra Pradesh and Chennai.

India’s First High-Speed Rail Project: Mumbai–Ahmedabad Bullet Train Makes Progress in Maharashtra

The Mumbai–Ahmedabad High-Speed Rail project has made notable headway in Maharashtra, with construction activity progressing at multiple locations. The Central Government has informed Parliament that foundation work is currently underway at three stations in the state, while tunnelling work is advancing on the project’s under-sea section.

Responding in writing to a Lok Sabha query on December 10, Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw stated that station foundation works are ongoing at Thane, Virar, and Boisar. He also confirmed that around four kilometres of the planned 21-kilometre under-sea tunnel between Ghansoli and Shilphata have already been completed.

Official figures indicate that Maharashtra has seen the completion of approximately 62 kilometres of foundation work, along with 55 kilometres of pier construction. Girder casting has progressed for about five kilometres, while girder launching has been carried out over one kilometre so far.

The 508-kilometre-long Mumbai–Ahmedabad High-Speed Rail corridor is being developed with financial and technical support from Japan. The route passes through Maharashtra, Gujarat, and the Union Territory of Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman and Diu, and will feature 12 stations, including Mumbai, Thane, Virar, Boisar, Vapi, Bilimora, Surat, Bharuch, Vadodara, Anand, Ahmedabad, and Sabarmati.

In Gujarat, the project has advanced significantly. Data shared by the Railway Minister shows that foundation work spanning 352 kilometres and pier construction over 351 kilometres have been completed. Girder casting and launching have reached 339 kilometres and 328 kilometres respectively.

Track laying has been finished along 124 kilometres in Gujarat, while overhead electrical mast installation has progressed across 80 kilometres. Additionally, foundation work has been completed at all planned stations in the state, including Vapi, Bilimora, Surat, Bharuch, Vadodara, Anand, Ahmedabad, and Sabarmati.

Indian Railways set to launch its first hydrogen-powered train, highlighting India’s self-reliance.

Indian Railways is set to introduce its first hydrogen-powered train, reflecting India’s progress in clean energy adoption and its commitment to the Atmanirbhar Bharat mission. This landmark initiative represents an important step towards developing environmentally friendly and self-reliant rail transport solutions. The hydrogen train has been developed as a pilot project to demonstrate the feasibility of using hydrogen as a clean fuel for future railway operations, following the standards formulated by the Research, Design & Standards Organisation (RDSO). Information regarding this development was shared by Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw in the Lok Sabha.

The Minister stated that the manufacturing of India’s first hydrogen-powered train has now been fully completed. To support its operations, a dedicated hydrogen generation plant has been planned at Jind. This facility will produce hydrogen through the process of electrolysis, a key method for generating green and sustainable hydrogen fuel, ensuring an eco-friendly supply system for the train.

The hydrogen train-set has been entirely designed and developed within the country, highlighting Indian Railways’ strong push towards self-reliance under the Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative. The project showcases advanced indigenous technology and engineering capabilities, reinforcing India’s ability to develop modern and sustainable rail solutions independently.

According to the Minister, this hydrogen-powered train is currently the longest in the world on a broad-gauge network, consisting of ten coaches. It is also the most powerful hydrogen train globally, generating a total power output of 2400 kW. The configuration includes two driving power cars, each producing 1200 kW, along with eight passenger coaches, making it a significant technological achievement for Indian Railways.

A key highlight of the hydrogen train is its zero-emission operation. Since the train runs on hydrogen fuel, it does not emit carbon dioxide; instead, the only by-product released is water vapour. This makes it a highly eco-friendly alternative and an important step towards reducing pollution and lowering the environmental impact of rail transportation.

The Railway Minister emphasised that this project marks the beginning of next-generation fuel technology for Indian Railways. For the first time, the entire ecosystem—ranging from design and prototyping to the development of hydrogen-based traction systems—has been created indigenously. As this is a pilot initiative, he noted that comparing its cost with conventional train systems would not be appropriate at this stage.

Overall, the hydrogen train project highlights Indian Railways’ strong commitment to sustainable development and cleaner energy solutions. It sets the foundation for the future adoption of alternative fuels and represents a significant move towards building a greener, more environmentally responsible, and self-reliant rail transport system in India.

Nearly 80% of Indian Railways tracks are now capable of supporting speeds over 110 kmph.

Nearly 80 per cent of India’s railway track network is now capable of supporting train speeds exceeding 110 kmph, reflecting a significant transformation in rail infrastructure over the past decade, the Ministry of Railways informed the Lok Sabha on Wednesday (10 December).

In a written reply, Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw stated that track sections designed for speeds of 110–130 kmph and 130 kmph and above together span 83,736 km, accounting for 79.3 per cent of the total railway network as of November 2025. This marks a sharp rise from 2014, when only 31,445 km about 39.6 per cent of the network was rated for speeds above 110 kmph.

The highest speed bracket of 130 kmph and above has seen the most notable growth, expanding more than fourfold from 5,036 km (6.3 per cent) in 2014 to 23,010 km (21.8 per cent) in 2025. Similarly, tracks supporting speeds between 110–130 kmph have increased from 26,409 km to 60,726 km, now forming the largest segment of the network.

At the same time, the length of tracks limited to speeds below 110 kmph has reduced substantially from 47,897 km in 2014 to 21,936 km by November 2025 bringing their share down to 20.8 per cent of the total network.

Vaishnaw attributed this progress to extensive track upgradation initiatives undertaken over the past 11 years to enhance speed potential across Indian Railways. These measures include:

Installation of wider pre-stressed concrete sleepers to improve track stability Adoption of elastic rail fastenings for enhanced vibration control Deployment of long welded rails to minimise joints and speed restrictions Use of advanced flash-butt welding technology for stronger rail joints Mechanised track maintenance with high-output machines to ensure precision and efficiency