India’s railway network is entering a new era of premium and luxury travel in 2026, blending modern comfort with enhanced connectivity. This year has seen multiple high‑profile launches, including India’s first Vande Bharat Sleeper Train and several Amrit Bharat Express services that expand long‑distance connectivity. On the tourism front, the Bharat Gaurav Deluxe Tourist Trains are also offering curated heritage experiences that redefine rail tourism in the country.
- India’s First Vande Bharat Sleeper Train — Premium Overnight Travel
2026 marked a milestone with the launch of India’s first Vande Bharat Sleeper Express, a specially designed fully air‑conditioned premium sleeper service that combines the speed of Vande Bharat trains with the comfort required for long overnight journeys.
Inauguration: 17 January 2026 by Prime Minister Narendra Modi at Malda Town station in West Bengal.
Route: Howrah (Kolkata) – Kamakhya (Guwahati), covering nearly 968 km in about 14 hours.
Classes: AC First Class, AC 2‑tier and AC 3‑tier with sleeper berths for comfortable overnight travel.
Amenities: Modern air‑conditioned coaches, sleeping berths, large windows and onboard catering.
This service signifies a step forward in premium long‑distance rail travel by Indian Railways, targeting both comfort and speed for passengers traveling between the eastern and northeastern regions.
- Expanded Amrit Bharat Express Routes — Connectivity Meets Comfort
In January 2026, Indian Railways also introduced several Amrit Bharat Express routes that strengthen nationwide rail connectivity. These trains are superfast services designed for long distances and are part of efforts to bolster affordable yet efficient travel across the country.
Notable new routes include:
Tiruchchirappalli – New Jalpaiguri Express: Runs across southern, eastern and northeastern India across a massive 2,622 km stretch.
Nagercoil – New Jalpaiguri Express: Covers about 3,102 km and connects the far south with northern Bengal.
Tambaram – Santragachi Express: Links Chennai’s suburbs with eastern India over nearly 1,668 km.
Howrah – Anand Vihar Terminal Express: Connects eastern India (Kolkata) with the national capital region around Delhi.
Other Important Routes: Dibrugarh–Lucknow, Kamakhya–Rohtak, Sealdah–Banaras and New Jalpaiguri–Nagercoil.
These services not only connect major cities but also facilitate seamless travel across multiple states, catering to both daily travellers and long‑distance passengers.
- Bharat Gaurav Deluxe Tourist Trains — Luxury Tourism on Rails
Beyond connectivity, Indian Railways has ramped up luxury tourism experiences via Bharat Gaurav Deluxe AC Tourist Trains launched in early 2026. These are semi‑luxury heritage circuits that take travellers on curated tours of culturally rich regions like Gujarat and Rajasthan with an all‑inclusive experience.
Key Circuits:
Garvi Gujarat Circuit: A 9‑night/10‑day journey through historic temples, UNESCO world heritage sites, coastal and cultural landmarks like Champaner‑Pavagadh, Statue of Unity, Dwarka and more.
Padharo Rajasthan Circuit: A 5‑night/6‑day tour of royal Rajasthan, including Jaipur, Jodhpur, Jaisalmer and desert heritage experiences.
Features:
Fully air‑conditioned cabins with multiple classes (AC I, AC II, AC III).
Onboard dining cars and pantry facilities.
Off‑train hotel stays, guided sightseeing tours, transport and even travel insurance included in packages.
These trains appeal to tourists seeking immersive cultural experiences without the hassle of independent planning.
What This Means for Indian Rail Travel
The launches of these services in 2026 reflect a multi‑pronged transformation in Indian rail travel:
- Enhanced Connectivity:
New Amrit Bharat Express routes make long‑distance travel more direct and comfortable across major regions, linking South, East, North and Northeast India.
- Premium Comfort for Overnight Journeys:
The Vande Bharat Sleeper Express caters to passengers who want speed combined with overnight comfort, elevating rail travel standards for long corridors.
- Tourism & Experience‑Driven Journeys:
Bharat Gaurav trains boost rail tourism by offering curated luxury packages that make heritage travel a seamless and memorable experience.
Together, these initiatives contribute to modernization, better service quality, and diversified rail travel options — from practical connectivity to experiential tourism and premium overnight comfort.
The year 2026 will be remembered as a turning point in Indian rail travel. With the launch of India’s first Vande Bharat Sleeper Train, expanded Amrit Bharat Express services, and luxury Bharat Gaurav Tourist Trains, Indian Railways has significantly expanded its spectrum of offerings to suit travellers of all kinds — from daily commuters and long‑distance passengers to leisure tourists and rail enthusiasts.
These launches not only improve connectivity but also set the tone for future innovations in rail travel, promising higher‑speed, comfortable and culturally engaging journeys ahead.
