Guwahati, Jan 19 (NationPress) The recently inaugurated Vande Bharat Sleeper Express and Amrit Bharat Express trains received a jubilant reception at various stations within the Northeast Frontier Railway (NFR) area on Monday, as per officials.

On January 17, Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the nation’s first Vande Bharat Sleeper Express Train operating between Guwahati (Kamakhya) and Kolkata (Howrah), alongside the launch of the Amrit Bharat Express trains.

This initiative signifies a major advancement in enhancing long-distance railway connectivity throughout the region.

NFR’s Chief Public Relations Officer (CPRO) Kapinjal Kishore Sharma noted that numerous local residents gathered enthusiastically at several stations, including Moranhat, Furkating, Lumding, Jagiroad, Rangiya, New Bongaigaon, Alipurduar, and New Jalpaiguri, to celebrate the inaugural journeys on January 17 and 18.

The arrival of these trains was marked by traditional cultural programs, folk music, and dance, creating a lively and festive atmosphere at the stations.

The Vande Bharat Sleeper Express, recognized as India’s first sleeper variant under the Vande Bharat series, was widely praised for its modern facilities, enhanced safety features, and increased comfort for overnight travel, stated Sharma.

Similarly, the Amrit Bharat Express trains, designed to offer affordable and comfortable travel options, were met with warm enthusiasm from passengers. The positive public reception underscores the rising demand for improved railway services in the region. The Northeast Frontier Railway remains dedicated to modernizing and enhancing passenger experiences through the deployment of new-generation train services.

The CPRO previously stated that the new Vande Bharat Sleeper Express will feature a 16-coach configuration with a total passenger capacity of 823. This includes 11 AC three-tier coaches, four AC two-tier coaches, and one First Class AC coach, providing comfortable travel options for various passenger segments.

According to official sources, this passenger-centric Vande Bharat Sleeper Express is designed with ergonomically cushioned berths, advanced suspension systems for superior ride comfort, noise-reduction technology, automatic doors with vestibules, and a modern Passenger Information System.

Moreover, special features for 'Divyangjan' (differently-abled) passengers, contemporary toilets, and advanced disinfection technology will further improve hygiene, accessibility, and onboard comfort. Safety is a key aspect of the Vande Bharat Sleeper Express.

As per the CPRO, the train will be equipped with the 'Kavach' automatic train protection system, emergency passenger talk-back units, and a sophisticated driver's cab with advanced controls. Its aerodynamic design and refined interiors highlight the latest advancements in indigenous rail engineering and design, added CPRO Sharma.

The advent of this railway service is anticipated to significantly enhance connectivity between Assam and West Bengal.

Districts that will benefit include Kamrup Metropolitan and Bongaigaon in Assam, along with Coochbehar, Jalpaiguri, Malda, Murshidabad, Purba Bardhaman, Hooghly, and Howrah in West Bengal, confirmed CPRO Sharma.

This railway service will bolster regional mobility while fostering trade, tourism, and socio-economic growth. The launch of India's first Vande Bharat Sleeper Express reaffirms Indian Railways' commitment to innovation, passenger-centric services, and a vision for a modern, future-ready railway network for the nation, added the CPRO.

The Northeast Frontier Railway (NFR), with its headquarters at Maligaon near Guwahati, operates throughout the Northeastern states as well as in seven districts of West Bengal and five districts of north Bihar.