India is all set to get its first Vande Bharat Sleeper Train, which will run on the Howrah-Kamakhya route. This new train will make overnight travel between West Bengal and Assam much easier and comfortable. The train numbers are 27575 for Howrah to Kamakhya and 27576 for the return trip. It will cover about 966 kilometers in around 14 hours. The train leaves Howrah at 6:20 p.m. and reaches Kamakhya at 8:20 a.m. the next day. On the way back, it departs from Kamakhya at 6:15 p.m. and arrives in Howrah at 8:15 a.m. This service will run six days a week, giving a break on Thursdays from Howrah and Wednesdays from Kamakhya. Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw has said the train will be launched around January 17 or 18, 2026. Prime Minister Narendra Modi will flag it off from Malda Town on January 17, and regular runs start from January 18. This is a big step for Indian Railways, as it brings premium comfort to long-distance trips. The train has only confirmed tickets in 1AC, 2AC, and 3AC classes. Fares are around â‚ą2,300 for 3AC, â‚ą3,000 for 2AC, and â‚ą3,600 for 1AC on this route. It comes with modern things like Kavach safety system, CCTV cameras, bio-vacuum toilets, and USB ports in every berth. Vaishnaw has called it a self-reliant design, made in India, and said eight more such sleeper trains will come in the next six months. This will help millions of people who travel between eastern India and the Northeast for work, family, or tourism.
The Vande Bharat trains have been a hit since they started in 2019. They are known for speed and comfort. Now, the sleeper version is for longer trips where people need to sleep. This first one connects Howrah in Kolkata to Kamakhya near Guwahati. It will cut travel time by about two to three hours compared to other trains like the Saraighat Express. The route goes through beautiful places in West Bengal and Assam, which could bring more tourists. Indian Railways wants to make travel better and safer with this train. It is made by BEML using technology from ICF, and it can go up to 180 km per hour, but on this route, it will run at about 130 km per hour. The train has 16 coaches: 11 for 3AC, 4 for 2AC, and 1 for 1AC. That means it can carry around 823 passengers. No waiting list or RAC tickets – only if your ticket is confirmed, you can board. This makes sure everyone gets a proper berth.
The Launch: A Milestone for Indian Railways
The big day is coming soon. On January 17, 2026, PM Modi will flag off the train from Malda Town in West Bengal. It might be through video link, but it shows how important this is for the government. Regular service starts the next day. Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw shared this news on January 1, 2026. He said, “The first Vande Bharat Sleeper train will be launched around January 17-18.” He also talked about how this train is made in India and will bring premium comfort to common people. This is part of the Make in India plan. The train was tested well before launch. It will help connect East India better with the Northeast. Many people from Assam work in Kolkata, and this train will make their trips home easier. Experts say this could boost the economy too, as faster travel means more business and tourism.
A railway official told a news channel, “This train is a game-changer for overnight journeys. It has everything from safety to comfort, and we plan to add more routes soon.” The launch comes at a time when Indian Railways is adding new trains and improving old ones. In the new timetable for 2026, many such updates are there. This sleeper Vande Bharat is the star of it.
Route and Timings: Connecting Two States
The train runs from Howrah in West Bengal to Kamakhya in Assam. It stops at 13 places: Bandel, Nabadwip Dham, Katwa, Azimganj, New Farakka, Malda Town, Aluabari Road, New Jalpaiguri, Jalpaiguri Road, New Cooch Behar, New Alipurduar, New Bongaigaon, and Rangiya. These stops cover seven districts in West Bengal and two in Assam. From Howrah, it leaves at 6:20 p.m., perfect for people after work. You reach Kamakhya by 8:20 a.m., ready for the day. The return is similar, leaving at 6:15 p.m. and arriving at 8:15 a.m. The whole trip is 14 hours, shorter than many other trains. It runs six days a week, so most days you can catch it.
This route is busy. Many people travel for jobs, studies, or to visit family. Places like New Jalpaiguri are gateways to Darjeeling, and Kamakhya is a famous temple. The train could bring more visitors to these spots. A traveler from Guwahati said, “I go to Kolkata often for business. This new train will save time and be more comfortable than the old ones.” The stops are chosen to help local people too.
Fares and Booking: What You Need to Know
Tickets cost more than regular trains but less than flights. For the full route, 3AC is about â‚ą2,300, 2AC â‚ą3,000, and 1AC â‚ą3,600. These include meals, but GST is extra. The fares are based on distance: â‚ą2.40 per km for 3AC, â‚ą3.10 for 2AC, and â‚ą3.80 for 1AC. Minimum fare is for 400 km, even if your trip is shorter. Compared to Saraighat Express, it’s higher: that one has 3AC at â‚ą1,410, 2AC â‚ą1,985, 1AC â‚ą3,320. But you get better features here.
Booking is only for confirmed seats. No RAC or waiting list. You can book under quotas like ladies, senior citizens, persons with disabilities, or duty pass. All berths open from the first day of advance booking. Use IRCTC app or website to book. Experts say the higher fare is worth it for the comfort. A railway board member explained, “The fares reflect the premium services like better safety and modern amenities.”
Modern Features: Safety and Comfort First
This train is packed with new things. It has Kavach, an Indian-made system that stops accidents by controlling the train automatically. CCTV cameras are in every coach for safety. Doors open and close on their own. Toilets are bio-vacuum type, clean and eco-friendly. Every berth has USB ports to charge phones. Berths are soft with better cushions. There are special spots for disabled people. The train serves regional food, like Bengali and Assamese dishes. Linen is high-quality from mills. It uses modern tech to keep things clean and germ-free.
The outside is aerodynamic, which saves energy and makes it stable at high speeds. Inside, it’s quiet and comfy for sleep. A passenger who saw the trial said, “It’s like a hotel on wheels. Much better than old sleeper trains.” The train also has an emergency talk-back system to speak to staff if needed. All this makes travel safe and enjoyable.
Impact on Travel and Economy
This train will change how people travel. Overnight trips will be less tiring. It connects big cities with smaller towns, helping local businesses. Tourism will grow – think of visiting Murshidabad’s history or Cooch Behar’s palaces. For Assam, it’s a link to Kolkata’s markets. The Northeast often feels cut off, but this helps. It creates jobs in railways and tourism too.
Vaishnaw said, “This train will promote tourism and trade across West Bengal and Assam.” More people might choose trains over buses or flights, saving money and reducing traffic. It’s good for the environment too, as trains are greener.
Future Plans: More Sleepers Coming
Indian Railways plans eight more Vande Bharat Sleeper trains in six months. They might run on routes like Delhi to Srinagar or other long ones. This is part of making railways world-class. The government wants 100 such trains soon. It shows India’s growth in making its own tech.
A expert from a think tank said, “These trains are a symbol of new India. Fast, safe, and made here.” With this, railways will handle more passengers comfortably.
Challenges and What to Expect
Not everything is perfect. The higher fares might keep some people away. Tracks need to be ready for high speeds. But railways is working on it. Passengers should book early, as seats fill fast. Overall, it’s a positive step.
In short, the first Vande Bharat Sleeper is a big win for travelers. It brings comfort and speed to long trips, connecting people better.
FAQs
1. When will the first Vande Bharat Sleeper Train start running?
The train will be flagged off by PM Narendra Modi on January 17, 2026, from Malda Town. Regular service begins on January 18. It runs six days a week: from Howrah except Thursdays, from Kamakhya except Wednesdays. Bookings open soon on IRCTC.
2. What is the route and stops of the Howrah-Kamakhya Vande Bharat Sleeper?
It goes from Howrah to Kamakhya, covering 966 km with 13 stops: Bandel, Nabadwip Dham, Katwa, Azimganj, New Farakka, Malda Town, Aluabari Road, New Jalpaiguri, Jalpaiguri Road, New Cooch Behar, New Alipurduar, New Bongaigaon, Rangiya. This connects West Bengal and Assam well.
3. What are the timings and journey time?
Train 27575 leaves Howrah at 6:20 p.m. and reaches Kamakhya at 8:20 a.m. next day (14 hours). Train 27576 leaves Kamakhya at 6:15 p.m. and arrives Howrah at 8:15 a.m. (14 hours). It’s faster than many other trains by 2-3 hours.
4. What are the fares and classes available?
Classes: 1AC, 2AC, 3AC. Fares for full route: â‚ą2,300 (3AC), â‚ą3,000 (2AC), â‚ą3,600 (1AC), plus GST. Includes meals. Based on per km: â‚ą2.40 (3AC), â‚ą3.10 (2AC), â‚ą3.80 (1AC). Minimum for 400 km. Higher than regular trains but for better service.
5. What features does the Vande Bharat Sleeper have?
It has Kavach for safety, CCTV, automatic doors, bio-vacuum toilets, USB ports, soft berths, regional food, good linen, Divyangjan facilities, and modern cleaning tech. Speed up to 180 kmph, but runs at 130 kmph here. Made in India by BEML.
6. How to book tickets and are there any special rules?
Book on IRCTC app or site. Only confirmed tickets – no RAC or waiting list. Quotas for ladies, seniors, disabled, duty pass. All berths available from ARP start. It’s for comfort, so plan ahead.