Mayfair Spring Valley Resort, Guwahati has partnered with the Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC) as the official onboard caterer for India’s first Vande Bharat Sleeper Train. The historic service was flagged off by Hon’ble Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday and will operate on the Howrah–Kamakhya (Guwahati) route, marking a new chapter in premium overnight rail travel.
As the first luxury hospitality brand to bring its signature dining experience onboard a Vande Bharat Sleeper service, Mayfair Spring Valley Resort will curate and serve authentic West Bengal and Assam delicacies, prepared using locally sourced ingredients. The thoughtfully designed menu showcases regional classics such as basanti pulao, cholar and moong dal, chanar and dhokar preparations, Assamese joha rice, mati mohor and masoor dali, seasonal vegetable bhajis, and traditional desserts including sandesh, narikol burfi, and rasgulla.
The onboard culinary offering has been crafted to balance comfort and regional authenticity, with a focus on wholesome vegetarian meals suitable for overnight journeys. Seasonal produce, slow-cooked methods, gentle spice profiles, and time-honoured sweets form the backbone of the dining experience, ensuring food that is comforting, flavourful, and easy to enjoy while travelling long distances.
Commenting on the partnership, Mr. Ratan Sharma, Managing Director, Mayfair Spring Valley Resort, Guwahati, said, “Mayfair’s approach goes far beyond serving meals; it is about creating a sense of place and an immersive experience through food. Each dish onboard has been carefully curated to reflect the authentic flavours, traditions, and culinary heritage of Bengal and Assam while meeting modern dining expectations. We want passengers to experience the culture, local ingredients, and stories behind each dish, making every meal a memorable highlight of the journey itself — an overnight rail experience that is both comforting and uniquely reflective of Northeast India.”
The Howrah–Kamakhya Vande Bharat Sleeper Train is India’s first long-distance overnight Vande Bharat service, covering nearly 1,000 kilometres. It comprises 16 fully air-conditioned sleeper coaches, including First AC, AC 2-tier, and AC 3-tier, with a total capacity of approximately 823 passengers. Designed for enhanced comfort and speed, the train features ergonomic berths, modern amenities, automatic doors, advanced suspension systems, noise-reduction technology, and the Kavach anti-collision system, with a scheduled operational speed of up to 130 km/h.
By significantly reducing travel time and offering confirmed berths for all passengers, the new service strengthens rail connectivity between eastern India and the Northeast, positioning itself as a premium and culturally immersive overnight travel option.
