India’s first Howrah–Kamakhya Vande Bharat Sleeper Train to launch on 17 Jan: 5 things travellers need to know

India’s first and much-awaited Vande Bharat Sleeper trainis all set to launch on this Saturday (17 January 2026). West Bengal BJP president Samik Bhattacharya mentioned during a press conference on Monday, as per PTI. He said the move will significantly boost connectivity in the North Bengal region. The day will mark a historic milestone in the country’s rail transportation and expand the series beyond short-distance and daytime services. The train is replete with modern amenities and comfort, and will run on higher speeds. It will be flagged off by the Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi from Malda in West Bengal.

Here are 5 important things travellers must know:

1) About Howrah–Kamakhya Vande Bharat Sleeper Express

The first initiative is the inaugural Howrah–Kamakhya Vande Bharat Sleeper Express which will connect Howrah Junction in West Bengal with Kamakhya Junction (Guwahati) in Assam. This premium train will cover a distance of about 968 km and improve overnight rail travel between eastern India and the Northeast. The journey time between Howrah and Kamakhya is about 14 hours.






The train is also set to upgrade regional connectivity, reduce travel time significantly and support the economy along with boosting tourism growth in these regions. The sleeper train also shows a major leap forward for Indian Railways’ long-distance rail strategy.



2) Features

Unlike other Vande Bharat chair-car trains, which are designed for shorter journeys, the sleeper variant is fully air-conditioned and equipped with modern sleeper coaches tailored for overnight comfort.

All coaches are replete with ergonomic sleeping berths.

They come with improved suspension systems for a more comfortable ride.

The automatic doors and safety systems like KAVACH will offer automatic train protection.

There are emergency communication systems for the safety of travellers.

3) Make in India initiative

The Vande Bharat Sleeper Train is an embodiment of India’s Make in India initiative. All the prime components of the train have been developed and assembled in the country. The technologies used are by Bharat Earth Movers Limited (BEML) and the Integral Coach Factory (ICF).

The train has semi-high-speed capability with all modern features.

As far as speed is concerned, the maximum design speed the train has is up to 180 km/h

But the train will operate at around 130 km/h speed.

Indian Railways now plans to produce multiple Vande Bharat Sleeper to extend the service in the coming years.

4) Service of the train

Train Name: Vande Bharat Sleeper Express

Train Numbers: 27575/27576

Frequency: Six days a week (excluding one weekly holiday each way)

Number of coaches: 16

Total seating capacity: 823

Food: Region-specific catering



Classes:

AC First Class

AC 2-Tier

AC 3-Tier

5) Fare

3AC: INR 960

2AC: INR 1,240

1AC: INR 1,520

The launch of the Vande Bharat Sleeper Express will be a big day in the history of Indian transport. With the inaugural run set for 17th January 2026, the service is set to become a flagship overnight rail experience for travellers across India.