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PM Modi Flags Off India’s First Vande Bharat Sleeper Train Between Howrah And Guwahati
Prime Minister Narendra Modi flagged off the country's first Vande Bharat Sleeper train today (January 17, 2026), at Malda Town Railway Station in West Bengal. The service marks a major expansion of the Vande Bharat series into long-distance overnight travel.
The inaugural run was flagged off by PM Modi from Malda Town this afternoon, with the train operating as a special inaugural service on its maiden journey. The new sleeper train joins existing Vande Bharat services - previously focused on short- to medium-distance chair-car routes - by offering a fully air-conditioned sleeper experience for overnight travel.
Until now, Vande Bharat trains have largely been associated with daytime, chair-car services focused on speed and short-to-medium routes. The sleeper variant changes that narrative. Designed for overnight journeys, the new train targets one of eastern India's busiest long-haul corridors, linking Howrah with Kamakhya (Guwahati) while covering large parts of West Bengal and Assam en route.
One of the key differences lies in the reservation framework. Indian Railways has confirmed that the Vande Bharat Sleeper will not offer waiting list or RAC tickets. All berths released for booking will be issued only as confirmed tickets, a move aimed at ensuring predictable occupancy and a smoother onboard experience. The fare structure also places the service in a higher bracket, with per-kilometre charges above those of conventional premium trains.
The Vande Bharat Sleeper train is configured with 16 coaches, comprising 11 AC 3-tier, four AC 2-tier, and one AC First Class coach. The trainset features ergonomic berths with enhanced cushioning, modern interiors, large windows, automatic doors, and advanced safety and monitoring systems designed to elevate comfort and convenience over long journeys.
The first Vande Bharat Sleeper service was inaugurated amid a series of rail infrastructure and connectivity initiatives, with PM Modi laying foundation stones and dedicating several projects in West Bengal aimed at boosting transportation and economic development in the region.
The Howrah-Guwahati Vande Bharat Sleeper Express - designated train number 27575 in regular service - will operate six days a week, departing Howrah in the evening and reaching Kamakhya the following morning after an approximate 14-hour journey. The return service operates as train number 27576, following a similar overnight schedule.
The route covers 13 stops between Howrah and Kamakhya, halting at major stations including Bandel, Nabadwip Dham, Katwa, Azimganj, New Farakka, Malda Town, Aluabari Road, New Jalpaiguri, Jalpaiguri Road, New Cooch Behar, New Alipurduar, New Bongaigaon, and Rangiya. The overnight service significantly enhances connectivity between eastern and northeastern India, providing a faster, more comfortable option compared to traditional sleeper trains.
The launch of this sleeper variant underscores Indian Railways' strategy to modernise long-haul services and meet growing passenger demand for premium overnight travel. It also aligns with broader infrastructure development goals aimed at improving regional integration, reducing transit times, and raising the standard of rail travel across long-distance corridors.
Howrah-Kamakhya Vande Bharat Sleeper: Complete Timetable
Train No. 27575 (Howrah → Kamakhya)
| Station | Arrival | Departure |
|---|---|---|
| Howrah | - | 18:20 |
| Bandel | 19:09 | 19:11 |
| Nabadwip Dham | 19:47 | 19:49 |
| Katwa | 20:18 | 20:20 |
| Azimganj | 21:10 | 21:15 |
| New Farakka | 22:13 | 22:15 |
| Malda Town | 22:58 | 23:03 |
| Aluabari Road | 01:05 | 01:07 |
| New Jalpaiguri | 03:05 | 03:10 |
| Jalpaiguri Road | 03:34 | 03:36 |
| New Cooch Behar | 04:28 | 04:30 |
| New Alipurduar | 05:13 | 05:15 |
| New Bongaigaon | 06:27 | 06:29 |
| Rangiya | 07:28 | 07:30 |
| Kamakhya | 08:20 | - |
Train No. 27576 (Kamakhya → Howrah)
| Station | Arrival | Departure |
|---|---|---|
| Kamakhya | - | 18:15 |
| Rangiya | 19:10 | 19:12 |
| New Bongaigaon | 20:20 | 20:22 |
| New Alipurduar | 21:25 | 21:27 |
| New Cooch Behar | 22:05 | 22:07 |
| Jalpaiguri Road | 22:48 | 22:50 |
| New Jalpaiguri | 23:10 | 23:15 |
| Aluabari Road | 01:02 | 01:04 |
| Malda Town | 03:27 | 03:32 |
| New Farakka | 04:15 | 04:17 |
| Azimganj | 05:08 | 05:13 |
| Katwa | 06:05 | 06:07 |
| Nabadwip Dham | 06:38 | 06:40 |
| Bandel | 07:15 | 07:17 |
| Howrah | 08:15 | - |
Image Source: PTI
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