Kamakhya–Howrah Vande Bharat Sleeper debuts January 22 commercially
The Vande Bharat Sleeper train promises a faster, more comfortable overnight journey, transforming how India travels long distances.
India is set to take a major step forward in overnight rail travel with the launch of its first-ever Vande Bharat Sleeper train on the Kamakhya–Howrah route. The new semi-high-speed service will begin its commercial operations on Thursday, January 22, promising faster journeys, enhanced comfort, and a modern travel experience for long-distance passengers.
The Kamakhya (Guwahati)–Howrah Vande Bharat Sleeper train marks a significant expansion of the Vande Bharat family, which until now has largely focused on chair-car services for daytime travel. Designed specifically for overnight journeys, the sleeper version aims to redefine how passengers experience long-distance rail travel across regions.
According to Indian Railways, train number 27576 Kamakhya–Howrah Vande Bharat Sleeper Express will commence its commercial run from January 22, while the return service, train number 27575 Howrah–Kamakhya Vande Bharat Sleeper Express, will begin operations a day later, on January 23. The service will be operated and maintained by the Northeast Frontier Railway (NFR) zone, underscoring the growing importance of the Northeast in India’s rail modernisation drive.
In terms of frequency, the Kamakhya–Howrah service (27576) will run on all days of the week except Wednesday. Conversely, the Howrah–Kamakhya service (27575) will operate on all days except Thursday. This schedule ensures near-daily connectivity between eastern India and the Northeast, catering to both business and leisure travellers.
One of the highlights of the new Vande Bharat Sleeper train is its carefully planned route and stoppages. During its journey between Howrah and Kamakhya, the train will halt at 13 key stations, ensuring connectivity to several important towns and cities along the way. The chosen stoppages reflect a balance between speed and accessibility, allowing the train to serve a wide passenger base without compromising on journey time.
The coach composition of the Vande Bharat Sleeper train has been designed with comfort and choice in mind. The Howrah–Kamakhya–Howrah service will comprise a total of 16 coaches. This includes 11 AC three-tier coaches, four AC two-tier coaches, and one AC first-class coach. With this configuration, the train caters to a range of passengers, from those seeking affordable overnight comfort to those preferring a more premium travel experience. Indian Railways has also confirmed that two complete rakes will be deployed on the Howrah–Guwahati route to ensure smooth and reliable operations.
Timings have been structured to make overnight travel seamless and efficient. Train number 27575, the Howrah–Kamakhya Vande Bharat Sleeper Express, will depart from Howrah at 18:20 hours and arrive at Kamakhya at 08:20 hours the next morning. In the return direction, train number 27576 will leave Kamakhya at 18:15 hours and reach Howrah at 08:15 hours the following day. The total journey time for the route will be approximately 14 hours, making it one of the fastest overnight options available between the two cities.
Beyond speed, the sleeper version of the Vande Bharat is expected to offer a noticeably improved onboard experience. Modern interiors, enhanced safety features, better suspension for smoother rides, and upgraded sleeping arrangements are expected to set new benchmarks for overnight rail travel in India. For passengers who regularly travel long distances by train, especially on routes connecting the Northeast with the rest of the country, this service is likely to be a welcome upgrade.
The introduction of the Kamakhya–Howrah Vande Bharat Sleeper also carries symbolic importance. It signals Indian Railways’ intent to extend advanced train technology beyond major metropolitan corridors and into strategically important regions like the Northeast. Improved connectivity is expected to support tourism, trade, education, and cultural exchange, while also offering residents a faster and more comfortable link to eastern India’s major hubs.
As the first of its kind, the Vande Bharat Sleeper train will be closely watched by passengers and railway planners alike. Its performance, punctuality, and passenger response could shape the future rollout of similar services on other long-distance routes across the country. For now, the January 22 launch marks a new chapter in India’s rail journey — one that blends speed, comfort, and modern design for overnight travel.