Ticket bookings have officially started for India's first Vande Bharat Sleeper train. This new service will connect Howrah in West Bengal with Kamakhya in Guwahati, Assam.
Commercial Operations Begin This Week
Indian Railways announced the schedule for the inaugural runs. Train number 27576, the Kamakhya–Howrah Vande Bharat Sleeper Express, will start its commercial journey on January 22. The return service, train number 27575 from Howrah to Kamakhya, begins operations the very next day on January 23.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi flagged off this semi-high-speed train on January 17. The introduction marks a significant upgrade in long-distance rail travel for passengers traveling between these two major eastern cities.
Two Simple Ways to Book Your Tickets
Passengers can reserve seats through both online and offline methods. For those preferring digital convenience, the online booking process is straightforward.
Online Booking Options:
- Visit the official IRCTC website
- Use the Rail Connect mobile application
- Book through the RailOne app
Offline Booking Method:
- Visit any railway station
- Go to the Passenger Reservation System (PRS) counters
- Purchase tickets directly from the counter staff
Step-by-Step Guide for IRCTC E-Ticket Booking
Booking online through the IRCTC portal involves a clear process. First, users need to create an account on the website if they don't already have one. Existing users simply log in with their username and password.
Once logged in, enter your travel details. Select 'Howrah' as your starting station and 'Kamakhya' as your destination, or vice versa depending on your journey direction. Choose your date of travel and select 'Vande Bharat SL' as your preferred class.
Click the search button to see available trains. From the list that appears, select the Vande Bharat Sleeper train. Click on the 'Book Now' button next to your chosen service.
The passenger reservation page will load. Double-check that all displayed information matches your intended journey – correct train name, stations, class, and date. Then proceed to enter passenger details including full names, ages, genders, and berth preferences.
After entering all passenger information correctly, click continue. The system will show your ticket details including total fare with all applicable charges. Review everything carefully before moving to the payment gateway.
Select your preferred payment method from the available options. Complete the transaction securely. Upon successful payment, you'll receive a confirmation page with your ticket details. Save or print this confirmation for your journey.
This new sleeper service represents Indian Railways' continued modernization efforts. The Vande Bharat trains have gained popularity for their speed and amenities, and this sleeper version extends those benefits to overnight travelers covering longer distances.
