New Delhi, Jan. 3 -- The much-awaited Vande Bharat sleeper train is set to be inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi later this month, marking another step in the Indian Railways' efforts to modernise long-distance travel.

The fully air-conditioned sleeper train has been designed for overnight journeys, offering a faster and more modern alternative to existing mail and express trains. It comes equipped with several amenities for passengers and the fares are fixed with middle-class in mind, according to Railways Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw

The first Vande Bharat sleeper train will be operated between Guwahati and Kolkata, the Railway Minister announced on Thursday, adding that each train has 16 coaches and a capacity to carry 823 pass...