India's First Vande Bharat Sleeper Train To Start Commercial Run From Today

New Delhi: India's first Vande Bharat Sleeper Express will begin its commercial run from Thursday. This new semi-high-speed train will revolutionize the long-distance and overnight rail journey in the country.

The overnight train will run between Howrah (West Bengal) and Kamakhya (near Guwahati, Assam), offering a faster, more modern journey for long-distance passengers. The service marks a major step in Indian Railways’ plans to expand premium overnight travel.

Where will it run and how often?

According to the national transporter, train number 27576 Kamakhya-Howrah Vande Bharat Sleeper Express will commence its commercial journey from January 22, leaving Kamakhya in the evening and reaching Howrah the next morning.

And the train number 27575 Howrah-Kamakhya Vande Bharat Sleeper Express will begin commercial operations from January 23.

The Kamakhya-Howrah Vande Bharat Sleeper Express (27576) will operate on all days of the week except Wednesday, whereas the Howrah-Kamakhya Vande Bharat Sleeper Express (27575) will run on all days except Thursday.

Both directions follow a roughly 14-hour schedule. 

This new-age train will be operated and maintained by the Northeast Frontier Railway (NFR) zone and will cover a long stretch across three states, cutting hours off traditional overnight travel. 

The first-ever Vande Bharat Sleeper Train will run between Guwahati, Assam, and Howrah, West Bengal, benefiting districts such as Kamrup Metropolitan and Bongaigaon in Assam.

Read more at: https://t.co/EhXZs7Oxg8#MDoNERIndia #Assam@mygovassam @RailMinIndia pic.twitter.com/vDxN8L72gt

— MDoNER India (@MDoNER_India) January 20, 2026

What stops along the way?

The Express halts at 13 stations between the start and end points. These are: Bandel, Nabadwip Dham, Katwa, Azimganj, New Farakka, Malda Town, Aluabari Road, New Jalpaiguri, Jalpaiguri Road, New Cooch Behar, New Alipurduar, New Bongaigaon and Rangiya.

What's on board?

The Vande Bharat Sleeper has 16 air-conditioned coaches, including,  one AC first class coach, four AC 2-tier coaches and 11 AC 3-tier coaches.

All berths are for confirmed passengers only and no RAC (Reservation Against Cancellation) or waitlist seats will be issued.

How much does a trip cost?

For the full Howrah-Kamakhya journey, Indian Railways has set the fares roughly as follows:

• AC 3-Tier: Rs 2,435
• AC 2-Tier: Rs 3,145
• First Class AC: Rs 3,855