Guwahati, Jan 30 (NationPress) The Howrah–Kamakhya–Howrah Vande Bharat Sleeper Express, launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on January 17, has garnered an impressive response from travelers, highlighting its vast potential for tourism and long-distance journeys, according to railway officials on Friday.

The Northeast Frontier Railway (NFR) Chief Public Relations Officer (CPRO) Kapinjal Kishore Sharma noted that the regular commercial service of the Vande Bharat Sleeper Express commenced from Howrah station (Kolkata) on January 23 and from Kamakhya station (near Guwahati) on January 22, marking a significant step forward in premium overnight rail travel from South Bengal to the Northeastern region.

The booking trends revealed that occupancy rates have exceeded 100% on all days for the Vande Bharat Sleeper Train traveling from Howrah to Kamakhya, indicating passengers' preference for this train offering enhanced comfort and reduced travel times.

During the six-day period from January 23 to 29, the average occupancy reached approximately 128%. For the following days up to February 3, occupancy rates have already surpassed 100% and are expected to rise further.

As of January 30, the occupancy for the Howrah–Kamakhya Vande Bharat Sleeper Express, recorded by 3 p.m. on Friday, was over 117% across all classes, with occupancy rates of 133.33% for AC First Class, 115.95% for AC Two-Tier, and 116.85% for AC Three-Tier.

This booking pattern clearly demonstrates a remarkable level of patronage and highlights the substantial tourism potential of this premium sleeper service, Sharma stated.

Travel enthusiasts from Bengal are keen to enjoy the enhanced comfort of the Vande Bharat Sleeper Express while journeying from South Bengal to the picturesque Himalayan regions of North Bengal and Assam.

With its high-speed capabilities, shorter travel durations, superior cushioning, and cozy sleeper berths, the Vande Bharat Sleeper Express ensures unparalleled comfort compared to other transport options, according to the NFR CPRO.

Safety is a paramount feature of the Vande Bharat Sleeper Express.

The CPRO mentioned that the train will be furnished with the advanced 'Kavach' automatic train protection system, emergency passenger communication units, and a cutting-edge driver's cab with modern controls.

Furthermore, the CPRO has indicated that this state-of-the-art Vande Bharat Sleeper Express will operate with a 16-coach configuration, accommodating a total of 823 passengers.

The setup consists of 11 AC Three-Tier coaches, four AC Two-Tier coaches, and one First Class AC coach, offering comfortable travel options for various passenger segments.

According to officials, the Vande Bharat Sleeper Express is designed with a strong focus on passenger comfort, featuring ergonomically designed cushioned berths, advanced suspension systems for a smoother ride, noise-reduction technology, automatic doors with vestibules, and a modern Passenger Information System.