India’s First Vande Bharat Sleeper Train to Begin Commercial Operations Between Kamakhya and Howrah

Indian Railways is set to mark a significant milestone in long-distance passenger travel with the launch of the country’s first Vande Bharat Sleeper train. The semi-high-speed overnight service connecting Kamakhya in Assam with Howrah in West Bengal will commence commercial operations from January 22, railway officials confirmed.

The new service is aimed at transforming overnight rail journeys by combining higher speeds with modern sleeper facilities. It will be operated and maintained by the Northeast Frontier Railway (NFR) zone, reflecting a growing focus on improving connectivity to and from the northeastern region.

Operational Details and Launch Schedule

According to Indian Railways, the Kamakhya–Howrah Vande Bharat Sleeper Express, bearing train number 27576, will begin its regular commercial run on January 22. The return service, train number 27575 running from Howrah to Kamakhya, will start a day later on January 23.

The Kamakhya–Howrah service will operate six days a week, excluding Wednesdays, while the Howrah–Kamakhya service will run on all days except Thursdays. Two train sets have been allocated for this route to ensure operational continuity and reliability.

Railway officials said the introduction of the sleeper variant of the Vande Bharat series represents the next phase of the government’s push to modernise passenger rail services, particularly for long-distance routes that traditionally rely on conventional mail and express trains.

Route and Station Stops

During its journey, the Vande Bharat Sleeper Express will halt at 14 stations, improving accessibility for passengers across West Bengal, Bihar, and Assam. Key stops along the route include Bandel, Nabadwip Dham, Katwa, Azimganj, New Farakka Junction, Malda Town, Aluabari Road, New Jalpaiguri, Jalpaiguri Road, New Cooch Behar, New Alipurduar, New Bongaigaon, Rangiya, and the originating and terminating stations at Howrah and Kamakhya.

Railway authorities said the selection of stoppages was based on passenger demand, regional connectivity needs, and operational feasibility, ensuring that major population centres and junctions benefit from the new service.

Timings and Journey Duration

The Howrah–Kamakhya Vande Bharat Sleeper Express will depart from Howrah at 6:20 pm and reach Kamakhya at 8:20 am the following morning. In the opposite direction, the Kamakhya–Howrah service will leave at 6:15 pm and arrive in Howrah at 8:15 am the next day.

The total journey time for the approximately 14-hour overnight trip represents a significant improvement compared to many existing long-distance services on the route. Officials said the train’s design allows for smoother acceleration and reduced travel time while maintaining passenger comfort during night travel.

Coach Composition and Passenger Amenities

The Vande Bharat Sleeper train will consist of 16 air-conditioned coaches. This includes 11 AC three-tier coaches, four AC two-tier coaches, and one AC first-class coach. The configuration is designed to cater to a wide range of passengers, from regular overnight travellers to those seeking premium comfort.

Railway officials noted that the sleeper variant incorporates several modern features, including enhanced safety systems, improved suspension for a smoother ride, automated doors, modern lighting, and upgraded washroom facilities. Catering services are expected to be integrated into the fare structure, in line with policies applicable to premium trains.

Boost to Northeast Connectivity

The launch of the Kamakhya–Howrah Vande Bharat Sleeper Express is being seen as a major step towards strengthening rail connectivity between the northeastern states and eastern India. Kamakhya serves as a crucial rail gateway to Assam and neighbouring states, while Howrah remains one of the busiest and most important railway hubs in the country.

Officials from the Northeast Frontier Railway said the new service is expected to benefit business travellers, tourists, students, and families by offering a faster and more comfortable overnight option. It is also likely to reduce pressure on existing express trains that operate on the busy corridor.

Part of a Larger Rail Modernisation Plan

The introduction of the sleeper version of the Vande Bharat train aligns with Indian Railways’ broader plans to expand its fleet of modern train sets. Authorities have indicated that similar sleeper services may be introduced on other long-distance routes in the future, based on passenger response and operational performance.

Railway officials emphasised that the focus remains on improving punctuality, safety, and passenger experience, while gradually upgrading infrastructure to support higher speeds across key corridors.

With bookings expected to open shortly, the Kamakhya–Howrah Vande Bharat Sleeper Express is poised to become a flagship service, setting a new benchmark for overnight rail travel in India.