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Vande Bharat Sleeper Express Hits 128% Occupancy, Showcasing High Demand

The Howrah-Kamakhya Vande Bharat Sleeper Express, inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has achieved an average occupancy of about 128% in its first six days of commercial service. Passenger bookings for upcoming days have already crossed 100%, with AC First Class seeing particularly high demand at 133.33% occupancy. Railway officials attribute the success to the train's reduced travel time, superior comfort, and strong appeal to tourists traveling from South Bengal to Assam and North Bengal. The 16-coach train, featuring advanced safety systems like 'Kavach' and modern passenger amenities, underscores a new era of premium overnight rail travel in the region.

Key Points: Vande Bharat Sleeper Train Sees 128% Occupancy Post PM Modi Launch

  • Over 128% average occupancy in first week
  • Bookings strong through early February
  • AC First Class occupancy at 133.33%
  • Equipped with 'Kavach' safety system
3 min read

Flagged off by PM Modi, average Vande Bharat Sleeper Express occupancy near 128 pc over last six days

The Howrah-Kamakhya Vande Bharat Sleeper Express, flagged by PM Modi, reports over 128% average occupancy, highlighting its tourism success and passenger preference.

"The pattern of booking showed more than 100 per cent occupancy on all the days - Kapinjal Kishore Sharma, NFR CPRO"

Guwahati, Jan 30

The Howrah-Kamakhya-Howrah Vande Bharat Sleeper Express, introduced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on January 17, has received an overwhelming response from passengers, underscoring its strong tourism and long-distance travel potential, railway officials said on Friday.

The Northeast Frontier Railway (NFR) Chief Public Relations Officer (CPRO) Kapinjal Kishore Sharma said that the regular commercial run of the Vande Bharat Sleeper Express from Howrah station (Kolkata), started from January 23 and from Kamakhya station (near Guwahati) on January 22, ushering in a new era of premium overnight rail travel from South Bengal to the Northeastern region.

He said that the pattern of booking showed more than 100 per cent occupancy on all the days in the Vande Bharat Sleeper Train from Howrah to Kamakhya indicating the preference of passengers towards comfortable travel in this train with reduced journey time.

During the last six days from January 23 to 29, the average occupancy is about 128 per cent wherein for the next few days upto February 3, the average occupancy has already crossed 100 per cent and is expected to soar high.

The occupancy of Howrah-Kamakhya Vande Bharat Sleeper Express leaving Howrah on January 30 recorded up to 3 p.m. on Friday is over 117 per cent for all the classes with 133.33 per cent occupancy for AC first Class, 115.95 per cent for AC two-tier and 116.85 per cent for AC three-tier.

This preference pattern clearly indicates exceptionally high patronisation and the immense tourism potential of this premium sleeper service, Sharma said.

The Bengali travel enthusiasts prefer to experience the superior comfort of the Vande Bharat Sleeper Express while travelling from South Bengal to the Himalayan regions of North Bengal and Assam.

With its high-speed capability, reduced travel time, superior cushioning, and cozy sleeper berths, the Vande Bharat Sleeper Express offers unmatched onboard comfort compared to other modes of transport, the NFR CPRO said.

Safety remains a defining hallmark of the Vande Bharat Sleeper Express.

The CPRO had said that the train will be equipped with the 'Kavach' automatic train protection system, emergency passenger talk-back units and a state-of-the-art driver's cab with advanced controls.

Meanwhile, the CPRO earlier had said that the new-generation Vande Bharat Sleeper Express will operate with a 16-coach rake, having a total passenger capacity of 823.

"The composition includes 11 AC three-tier coaches, four AC two-tier coaches and one First Class AC coach, offering comfortable travel options across different passenger segments," he added.

According to the official, designed with a strong passenger-focused approach, the Vande Bharat Sleeper Express will feature ergonomically designed cushioned berths, advanced suspension systems for superior ride comfort, noise-reduction technology, automatic doors with vestibules and a modern Passenger Information System.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
Wonderful to see such a positive response. My family in Guwahati has been talking about this train non-stop. It makes visiting relatives so much easier and more comfortable than the long road journey. Hope they introduce more such routes soon!
R
Rohit P
Occupancy over 100% is impressive, but I hope the railways are prepared to maintain the premium quality and cleanliness with such high demand. Sometimes new services start well but standards drop. Fingers crossed this sets a new benchmark.
S
Sarah B
As someone who travels frequently for work between Kolkata and Assam, the reduced travel time is the biggest draw. Time is money. The 'Kavach' safety system is also a very welcome feature. A much-needed upgrade to India's rail network.
V
Vikram M
Bahut badhiya! This is true 'Make in India' success. The focus on passenger comfort with ergonomic berths and noise reduction shows they are listening to travelers. Hope the fares remain reasonable so the common man can also experience it.
K
Kavya N
The tourism potential is huge. So many people want to explore the beauty of the Northeast but are worried about travel. A safe, comfortable, and fast train like this can really boost the local economy there. A win-win for all.

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