Bhubaneswar, Jan. 8 -- The Howrah-Guwahati Sleeper Vande Bharat Express, likely to be flagged off by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, is all set to transform overnight rail travel between the eastern and the northeastern India.

Designed specifically for long-distance night journeys, the new train aims to offer faster, safer and more comfortable travel across West Bengal and Assam.

The Sleeper Vande Bharat will operate with 16 fully air-conditioned coaches, including 11 AC three-tier, four AC two-tier, and one first-class AC coach. The total passenger capacity stands at 823 berths, with 611 in 3AC, 188 in 2AC and 24 in 1AC.

Built as a semi-high-speed train with a design speed of up to 180 kmph, the train will run at an operational speed of...