Howrah-Kamakhya Vande Bharat Sleeper Train to run six days a week from Jan 22, see details
New Delhi: The country's first Vande Bharat sleeper train, running between Kolkata (Howrah) and Kamakhya in Assam, will operate six days a week in both directions starting Thursday.
According to a statement issued by Indian Railways on Monday, the regular operation of this first Vande Bharat sleeper train will begin on January 22, Thursday. The train (number 27576 Down) will depart from Kamakhya at 6:15 PM and reach Howrah at 8:15 AM the next day.
On its return journey from Howrah, the train (27575 Up) will depart at 6:20 PM and reach Kamakhya at 8:20 AM the next day.
It will not operate from Kamakhya to Howrah on Wednesdays and from Howrah to Kamakhya on Thursdays.
The Vande Bharat sleeper train will have a total of 16 coaches and will run at a speed of 130 kilometers per hour during regular operation. It is designed to run at a maximum speed of 180 km per hour.
The train has a total of 823 berths, including 611 berths in 11 AC Three Tier coaches, 188 berths in four AC Second Tier coaches, and 24 berths in one AC First Class coach.
The train will stop at Rangiya, New Bongaigaon, New Alipurduar, Jalpaiguri Road, New Jalpaiguri, Aluabari Road, Malda Town, New Farakka Jn., Azimganj, Katwa Jn., Nabadwip Dham, and Bandel Jn. between Kamakhya and Howrah.
Howrah–Guwahati: A Vital Rail Corridor
The Howrah–Guwahati route is among the most significant rail corridors in the country, supporting the daily movement of lakhs of passengers. The Vande Bharat Sleeper trains will offer a fast, modern and reliable travel option for passengers of West Bengal and Assam.
Direct benefits will accrue to districts such as Cooch Behar, Jalpaiguri, Malda, Murshidabad, Purba Bardhaman, Hooghly and Howrah in West Bengal, and Kamrup Metropolitan and Bongaigaon in Assam. The service will be especially beneficial for common passengers, students, professionals, migrant workers, traders and religious pilgrims. Visits to major pilgrimage centres like Kalighat Temple and Kamakhya Devi Temple will become easier, safer and more convenient.
The new Vande Bharat Sleeper on the Howrah–Guwahati route will significantly cut travel time compared to the current fastest service, the Saraighat Express (12345/12346). The Saraighat Express takes around 17 hours to cover the approximately 966 km distance between Howrah and Guwahati/Kamakhya.
In contrast, the Vande Bharat Sleeper is expected to complete the same journey in about 14 hours once operational, saving nearly 3 hours on the route. Reduced travel time will also give a boost to regional trade, tourism, employment and social connectivity, strengthening economic and cultural ties across regions.
Affordable Premium Travel
One of the standout features of the Vande Bharat Sleeper is its cost-effectiveness compared to air travel. The proposed fares are designed to offer premium comfort at a substantially lower cost than airlines.
The indicative fares are approximately Rs 2300 for 3 AC, Rs 3000 for 2 AC and Rs 3600 for First AC. These fares make the Vande Bharat Sleeper an attractive option that combines affordability with high-quality amenities and services.
Regional Tastes on the Go
Passengers will also enjoy high-quality onboard catering services, making long overnight journeys more relaxed and stress-free. Passengers on the Vande Bharat Sleeper Train will enjoy region-specific culinary offerings during their journey. Train originating from Guwahati will feature authentic Assamese cuisine, while the train starting from Kolkata will serve traditional Bengali delicacies, ensuring a delightful and culturally rich dining experience on board.
Staff Support, Seamless Operations
The Vande Bharat Sleeper also brings significant improvements for railway staff. For Loco Pilots, the train is equipped with ergonomically designed driver cabins that reduce strain and fatigue during long duty hours, along with dedicated, well-equipped toilets to ensure hygiene and convenience.
For onboard staff such as TTEs and pantry personnel, dedicated cabins and compartments have been provided, along with improved berths and amenities that allow proper rest during duty hours, contributing to better efficiency, alertness and overall service quality.
Safety Powered by Indigenous Technology
Safety remains a top priority. The Vande Bharat Sleeper is equipped with the indigenous Kavach automatic train protection system, which plays a crucial role in preventing collisions and ensuring safe train operations.
The train is also equipped with features such as automatic doors, improved fire safety mechanisms, disinfectant technology and CCTV surveillance in all coaches. An advanced emergency talk-back system enables passengers to directly communicate with the crew in case of emergencies, ensuring prompt assistance. These systems together establish new benchmarks in rail safety, giving passengers complete peace of mind.