In a landmark move for rail connectivity, the Ministry of Railways has unveiled the complete operational plan for India's inaugural Vande Bharat Sleeper train service. This premium overnight train is scheduled to commence operations next week, specifically around January 17-18, as announced by Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw. The distinctive orange and grey train will bridge Howrah in West Bengal and Guwahati (Kamakhya) in Assam, marking a significant upgrade in travel between eastern India and the Northeastern region.
Route, Numbers, and Key Stops
The new service will be identified as Train No. 27575 from Howrah to Kamakhya and Train No. 27576 for the return journey. The route will strategically connect major hubs via Bandel, Azimganj, Malda Town, New Jalpaiguri, and New Cooch Behar.
Passengers can expect halts at a total of 13 intermediate stations. The complete list of stoppages includes: Bandel, Nabadwip Dham, Katwa, Azimganj, New Farakka, Malda Town, Aluabari Road, New Jalpaiguri, Jalpaiguri Road, New Cooch Behar, New Alipurduar, New Bongaigaon, and Rangiya.
Schedule, Frequency, and Coach Composition
The Vande Bharat Sleeper Express will offer a convenient overnight journey. Train No. 27575 will depart from Howrah at 18:20 hours and arrive at Kamakhya at 08:20 hours the next morning. Conversely, Train No. 27576 will leave Kamakhya at 18:15 hours to reach Howrah at 08:15 hours the following day. The total travel time is approximately 14 hours, cutting the existing journey time by about three hours.
The train will run six days a week. The Howrah to Kamakhya service will operate all days except Thursday, while the Kamakhya to Howrah service will run all days except Wednesday.
Each 16-coach rake will offer a mix of accommodation: 11 AC 3-Tier coaches, 4 AC 2-Tier coaches, and 1 AC First Class coach. Two such rakes will be deployed to serve this high-demand route, ensuring daily connectivity.
Ticket Pricing and Travel Experience
The Railways have announced a three-tier fare structure for this sleeper variant of the Vande Bharat Express. The one-way fare for the full journey between Howrah and Kamakhya is set at Rs 2,300 for AC 3-Tier, Rs 3,000 for AC 2-Tier, and Rs 3,600 for AC First Class.
Passengers can look forward to a host of modern amenities, including high-quality mill-made linen, enhanced safety features, and a smoother ride as the train is designed to run at speeds of up to 130 kmph. This launch is poised to redefine overnight rail travel, offering a faster, more comfortable alternative for passengers traversing this crucial corridor.
