India's First Vande Bharat Sleeper Train Begins Service

Six-grader Anukriti Dasgupta rushed to claim her window seat as India's first Vande Bharat Sleeper train prepared for its inaugural journey from Guwahati to Kolkata. For her and 46 other students aboard, this wasn't just a train ride. It was India's leap into modern railway travel.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi flagged off the country's first two sleeper trains on Saturday, marking the biggest upgrade to overnight rail travel since the Rajdhani Express launched in 1969. The new trains connect Assam and West Bengal, completing the 700-kilometer journey in about 14 hours instead of the usual 16 and a half.

For women travelers like Jharna Shil, the modern amenities mean peace of mind. "Safety is the biggest concern while traveling by train," said the 49-year-old who came to see the train with her neighbors. The CCTV cameras and clean facilities impressed her most.

Loco pilot Saptranjan Mandal calls driving the new train the proudest moment of his 26-year railway career. The advanced system accelerates quickly to 100 kilometers per hour, with half the coaches powered by motors for smooth, fast travel. He and assistant pilot CK Mishra completed seven days of specialized training to operate the high-tech equipment.

Students from South Point Public School filled the inaugural run with excitement and hope. Eleventh-grader Ain Hazarika, a shooter who dreams of becoming a journalist, noticed the stark difference from her usual rides. "Unless one travels by Rajdhani Express, we see many problems in trains," she said, recalling dirty conditions on recent trips.

Why This Inspires

Eight more Vande Bharat Sleeper trains will enter service this year, manufactured domestically as part of India's push for self-reliance. For young travelers like eighth-grader Aarna, the trains represent national pride and progress. "I might study abroad, but I will come back and work here," she wrote in her essay about the journey.

The trains feature local cuisine from both Assam and Bengal, a detail that delighted passenger Geetanjali Saha. "I don't like the food in trains as it tastes like a machine manufactured it," she said while taking a selfie with the gleaming new train decorated with marigold garlands.

Even as some worry about affordability, the transformation of India's railway system brings hope to millions who depend on trains for long-distance travel. Young Anukriti summed up the magic best: "Train horns give a feeling of exciting departure."