Launch of the Vande Bharat Sleeper: High Hopes and Quick Setbacks
GUWAHATI – Just days after its big launch on January 22, 2026, the new Vande Bharat Sleeper train is facing tough times. This train runs 972 km between Kamakhya in Guwahati and Howrah in Kolkata, and it was sold out for its first trips. People were excited about its modern AC berths and fast travel. But soon, complaints came in about bad food and hard-working conditions for staff. Videos from passengers showed anger over meals that were not good to eat, like overcooked rice and raw vegetables. The food was given by a partner of IRCTC, a resort in Guwahati, and they had to change the menu fast after the outcry. On another side, Congress MP Imran Masood talked about cleaning workers on a different Vande Bharat train in Saharanpur who get only ₹10,000 a month for very long shifts of 18-20 hours with little rest. He promised to bring this up in Parliament, pointing to problems with outsourced jobs in railways.
The Vande Bharat Sleeper is part of India’s push for better trains. It has comfy berths, good lights, and safety features. Launched by Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, it aims to make overnight trips easier. But these early problems show that even new trains have old issues like food and worker rights. Passengers paid more for premium service, but many felt let down. One passenger said in a video, “This is fooling the public. We expected better.” The train left Kamakhya on its first commercial run, and by the time it reached Howrah, social media was full of complaints.
Food Quality Complaints: What Went Wrong?
Passengers on the first run of train number 27576 were not happy with the dinner served. Videos showed food packets with no dal, no paneer, hard rotis, and small portions. Some said the rice was overcooked, and vegetables were not cooked well. It was a veg-only meal, which made some people angry. The catering was done by IRCTC’s base kitchen in Guwahati, tied up with a local resort called Mayfair. After many complaints, IRCTC took out the dal from the menu and made changes. But why did this happen on the first day? People say the high fares include food, but the quality was like regular trains or worse.
One video that went viral had passengers shouting about the bad food. They showed plastic packets thrown on the floor, saying there was no evening tea either. “We are paying for premium, but getting this?” asked a traveler. Another post on social media said, “Many passengers are complaining about extremely low quality food served by base kitchen of IRCTC, GHY in 27576 KYQ HWH on first commercial run.” IRCTC said they are looking into it and will fix things. But some think removing the menu from their website was just hiding the problem, not solving it.
The veg-only menu also started a political fight. The Trinamool Congress (TMC) in West Bengal attacked the government, saying it was forcing culture on people. TMC leader said, “This is policing our plates.” BJP defended it, but the row added to the bad news. Passengers from different places said the food did not match the hype. For a train that costs more, they wanted tasty and enough food. Railways have faced food complaints before, even on regular Vande Bharat trains with stale items.
IRCTC’s Response and Menu Changes
IRCTC acted quick after the complaints. They withdrew the dal and revised the menu to make it better. Officials said they are probing the issues and will talk to the catering partner. The resort in Guwahati was new to this, maybe that’s why mistakes happened. But passengers want refunds or better service next time. One report said, “Passengers report poor food quality, insufficient quantity, no dal/paneer, hard rotis.” IRCTC has rules for food, but sometimes partners don’t follow them well.
Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw has not said much yet, but he is known for fixing train problems. In past, he shared videos of good things, like Vande Bharat in snow. Now, people want him to handle this. A railway official told news, “We are committed to good service. Changes are being made.” But for now, the first trips have left a bad taste.
Worker Complaints: Long Hours and Low Pay
Separately, but linked to Vande Bharat issues, Congress MP Imran Masood from Saharanpur brought up problems for cleaning staff. He met workers on the Saharanpur Vande Bharat train who said they get only ₹10,000 a month for shifts of 18-20 hours. They have little time to sleep and feel tired all the time. Masood said he will raise this in Parliament, calling it unfair. Many railway jobs are outsourced now, which means private companies handle them, and workers get less pay and no job safety.
This is not new in Indian Railways. Workers often complain about long hours and low wages. In Vande Bharat trains, which are premium, staff should be treated better, but that’s not happening. Masood said, “These workers are the backbone of our trains, but they are exploited.” He wants the government to check outsourcing and give fair pay. Other MPs have talked about similar things in past sessions. For example, in winter session 2025, Masood questioned other government claims.
Outsourcing started to save money, but it leads to poor conditions. Workers say they clean coaches, handle luggage, but get no benefits like government employees. A worker told Masood, “We work day and night, but pay is too low to live.” Railways say they follow rules, but complaints keep coming. This could lead to strikes or more debates in Parliament.
Background of Vande Bharat Sleeper
The Vande Bharat Sleeper is a new version of the popular train series. Started under PM Narendra Modi, these trains are made in India and run fast. The sleeper one has berths for night travel, with AC 1, 2, 3 tiers. It has features like auto doors, fire safety, and good toilets. The Kamakhya-Howrah route is important for East India, connecting Assam and West Bengal. It takes about 12 hours, faster than old trains.
PM Modi has launched many Vande Bharat trains, saying they bring unity. But with these complaints, questions arise about quality control. The train was tested before launch, but real runs show problems. Railways plan more sleeper trains for other routes, like Malda to Kamakhya.
Political Reactions and Public Outcry
The food issue turned political fast. TMC said the veg-only menu is imposing habits on Bengalis who like non-veg. They called it cultural attack. BJP said it’s for all passengers. Masood’s comments on workers add to opposition attacks on government. Public on social media is sharing videos and posts, demanding better. One user said, “Indian Railways should be ashamed!”
People want accountability. High fares mean high expectations. If not fixed, it could hurt the Vande Bharat brand.
Impact on Passengers and Tourism
Sold-out tickets show people like the train, but complaints could change that. Travelers to East India rely on it for comfort. Bad food spoils the trip. For workers, poor conditions mean bad service. Tourism in Assam and Bengal could suffer if trains get bad name.
Railways’ Future Plans and Fixes
Railways want to run more Vande Bharat sleepers. They must fix food and worker issues first. Better training for caterers and fair pay for staff. Minister Vaishnaw said in past, “We will improve.”
Challenges in Indian Railways
Big network, but old problems like food and labor. Outsourcing saves money but hurts workers. Food quality varies by region. Need better checks.
Economic Side
Trains bring jobs and growth. But unhappy workers and passengers slow it. Fair pay could help.
Time for Changes
The Vande Bharat Sleeper launch was big, but complaints show work needed. Food fixes and worker rights are key. As India builds more trains, quality matters. Passengers and staff deserve better.
FAQs
What is the Vande Bharat Sleeper Train?
It is a new overnight train with sleeping berths, made in India. It has AC coaches, modern features like good lighting and safety systems. The one between Kamakhya and Howrah started on January 22, 2026, covering 972 km.
When did the complaints start?
Right after the first commercial run on January 22, 2026. Passengers shared videos on January 23 and 24 about bad food.
What were the food problems?
Passengers said no dal, no paneer, hard rotis, small portions, overcooked rice, raw veggies. It was veg-only, which upset some. IRCTC changed the menu after complaints.
Who handles the food?
IRCTC’s Guwahati base kitchen, partnered with Mayfair Resort. They are fixing it now.
What did Imran Masood say about workers?
He met cleaning staff on Saharanpur Vande Bharat who get ₹10,000 for 18-20 hour shifts with little sleep. He will raise it in Parliament, blaming outsourcing.
Is the train safe and comfortable?
Yes, berths are good, but food and staff issues need fix. It’s faster and modern.
What political issues came up?
TMC attacked veg-only menu as cultural imposition. Opposition uses worker complaints to hit government.