The Grand Launch of India’s First Vande Bharat Sleeper Train
India took a big step forward in its railway system when Prime Minister Narendra Modi flagged off the country’s first Vande Bharat Sleeper train from Malda in West Bengal. This happened on January 17, 2026. The train, numbered 02076, runs from Howrah near Kolkata to Kamakhya Junction in Guwahati, Assam. It covers about 1,000 kilometers and is the fastest on this route. People were excited because this train brings modern comfort to overnight travel. PM Modi called it a historic moment, saying it will help connect Bengal and Assam better and boost growth in the area.
The Vande Bharat trains have been popular since they started. They are made in India and show the country’s push for better rail travel. This sleeper version is special because it’s for long trips where people need to sleep. Railway officials said it’s quicker than other trains on the same path. It can go up to 130 km per hour thanks to its strong build and safety features like the Kavach system that stops crashes.
But just hours after the launch, something sad happened. Passengers left the coaches full of trash. Videos and photos went viral on social media, showing empty cups, spoons, wrappers, and other waste on the floor. This made many people angry and started talks about how passengers behave in public places.
What Makes the Vande Bharat Sleeper Train Special?
The train has 16 coaches, all air-conditioned. There is one First AC coach, four AC 2-tier, and eleven AC 3-tier coaches. It can carry up to 823 passengers. The berths are made to be comfortable, with soft cushions and more space than usual. People of different sizes can rest well. There are charging points for phones, like USB and Type-C, and good air flow in each berth.
One big plus is the luggage space. There are racks above the seats, space under the berths for small bags, and special spots near the doors for big suitcases. This keeps the inside neat and easy to move around. The toilets are modern and clean, with better design for people with disabilities. The train also has automatic doors, less noise, and smooth rides because of good suspension.
Food is another highlight. The menu has local tastes. From Howrah, you get Bengali food like basanti pulao, cholar dal, and sweets like sandesh. From Guwahati, it’s Assamese dishes such as joha rice, masoor dali, and vegetable bhajis. They use fresh items from the area, and the meals are light for night travel. Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw had praised these meals, saying they make the journey feel like home.
The fares are reasonable. For 3 AC, it’s about Rs 2,300, 2 AC is Rs 3,000, and First AC is Rs 3,600. This includes the food. There’s no waiting list like in other trains; it’s like booking a flight where you get a confirmed seat. This makes it a good choice instead of flying for many people.
The Shocking Incident: Litter Everywhere
Sadly, the excitement didn’t last long. On the very first trip, passengers threw waste on the floor. A video showed tea cups, ice cream wrappers, spoons, and bottles scattered around. It looked like no one used the dustbins that are there in every coach. The man in the video said, “Civic sense dekh lo aap,” which means “Just look at the civic sense.” This clip spread fast on Reddit, Instagram, and X (formerly Twitter), making people upset.
The train left clean and shiny, but by the time it reached some stops, the coaches were messy. Some said it was because people ate the special meals and just dropped the trash. Others pointed out that dustbins were ignored. This isn’t new; similar things happened with other Vande Bharat trains before. But for a new launch, it was a big letdown.
Railway officials were quick to notice. Before the launch, a top officer named Anand Rupanagudi had warned people. He said, “Please travel in it only if you’ve learnt your toilet manners.” He wanted to make sure passengers respect the train. He even said he wants people to feel scared if they litter, so they don’t do it. This was to protect the nice facilities.
Public Reactions and Online Outrage
The video sparked a lot of talk online. On social media, people shared sarcasm. One user on X said, “People litter on Vande Bharat Sleeper train within hours of its inaugural run. Just see the civic sense.” Another post asked, “Is this the Railways’ fault? The government’s fault? Or is it ours?” Many agreed it’s the passengers who need to change.
Some called for fines. “Put big fines for littering, like in Singapore,” one comment said. Others wanted more staff to clean during the trip. But most people blamed lack of civic habits. “We want world-class trains, but we don’t act world-class,” a Reddit user wrote.
Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw has spoken about this before. After similar mess in other Vande Bharat trains, he changed the cleaning way. Now, like in flights, a worker walks with a bag and asks passengers to throw trash in it. He tweeted, “Cleaning system changed for Vande Bharat trains. Your cooperation expected.” For this sleeper train, they might do the same.
PM Modi, at the launch, didn’t talk about litter, but he stressed how the train helps development. “This new Vande Bharat Sleeper train will connect Bengal and Assam better,” he said.
Challenges for India’s Growing Vande Bharat Fleet
This incident shows a big problem. India is adding more Vande Bharat trains. There are plans for many routes. But if passengers don’t respect them, the trains won’t stay nice. Modernization is good, but it needs people to care.
Indian Railways spends a lot to make trains better. The Vande Bharat has things like no VIP quota, so everyone gets a fair chance. But stone throwing has been an issue too. Security warned about possible attacks on this route. Police are now watching more.
To fix littering, railways could add more bins, signs, and fines. Education in schools about civic sense might help. Some say make passengers pay for cleaning if they mess up.
The fleet is expanding. Soon, there will be Vande Bharat for shorter and longer trips. But without respect, it’s hard to keep them clean. As one official said, “Without responsible citizens, even the best systems cannot remain clean.”
What Can Be Done to Improve?
Railways can learn from this. Maybe have more staff on board to remind people. Or use cameras to catch litterbugs and fine them. Passengers should think of the train as their own home. Throw trash in bins, keep things tidy.
Groups like Swachh Bharat can help with campaigns. Tell people why cleanliness matters. In the end, it’s up to us. Good trains are for everyone, but we all have to keep them good.
This event is a wake-up call. India wants to be modern, but habits need to change too. Let’s hope next trips are clean and fun.
FAQs
What is the route and schedule of the Vande Bharat Sleeper train?
The train runs from Howrah in West Bengal to Kamakhya Junction in Guwahati, Assam, covering nearly 1,000 km. It leaves in the evening and arrives in the morning, taking about 14-15 hours. It’s faster than other trains on this route, with an average speed of around 66-70 kmph. Check IRCTC for exact times, as it might change. The train operates daily or on select days; confirm on the official site.
What are the key features of the Vande Bharat Sleeper?
It has AC berths with extra comfort: wider cushions, more headroom, charging ports, and good ventilation. Luggage space is plenty, with under-berth storage and dedicated racks. Toilets are modern and spacious. Safety includes Kavach anti-collision. Meals are regional – Assamese rice and dishes from Guwahati side, Bengali food from Howrah. Fares include food, starting from Rs 2,300 for 3 AC.
Why was the train littered so soon after launch?
Passengers threw waste like cups and wrappers on the floor instead of using dustbins. It happened on the inaugural run, maybe because people were excited and careless. Videos show the mess, sparking talks on civic sense. It’s not the first time; similar issues in other trains. Railways say they provide bins, but passengers need to use them.
What did Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw say about cleanliness?
He has pushed for better cleaning. After past incidents, he started a system where staff collect trash like in flights. “Cleaning system changed for Vande Bharat trains. Your cooperation expected,” he said. For this, he urged states to stop stone throwing too.
How can passengers help keep trains clean?
Use dustbins for all waste. Don’t throw things on the floor. Teach kids good habits. If you see littering, politely remind others. Support fines for rule-breakers. Remember, clean trains make travel better for all.
Is the Vande Bharat Sleeper safe and reliable?
Yes, it has top safety like Kavach. But issues like stone pelting are concerns; police are handling it. It’s built strong and tested well.
What are the luggage limits?
First AC: 70 kg free. Second AC: 50 kg. Third AC: 40 kg. Extra space helps carry more without mess.