The inaugural run was flagged off by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, marking the arrival of a high-speed sleeper version of the Vande Bharat platform that has already reshaped daytime rail travel across the country.
A Strategic Overnight Link Between East and Northeast
The new sleeper service connects Howrah, near Kolkata, with Kamakhya Junction in Guwahati, offering a direct overnight corridor between West Bengal and Assam. This route not only shortens distances between eastern India and the Northeast, but also strengthens connectivity for tourism, business travel, and religious pilgrimages.The first physical flag-off took place at Malda Town in West Bengal, while the return Guwahati-Howrah service was launched virtually. With both states approaching elections, the launch also carries political and developmental symbolism, underlining the Centre’s focus on infrastructure-led growth.
Faster Journeys, Airline-Style Experience
Railway officials describe the sleeper Vande Bharat as an attempt to bring an “airline-like experience” to the tracks—without airline-level prices. The fully air-conditioned train is expected to reduce travel time on the Howrah-Kamakhya route by nearly two and a half hours, a significant saving for an overnight journey.Although the train has been engineered for a maximum speed of 180 kmph, it is likely to operate at around 120-130 kmph, balancing speed with safety and track conditions.
Comfort, Hygiene, and Safety at the Core
Passenger comfort has been a central design priority. The sleeper coaches feature ergonomically designed berths and a sophisticated suspension system that minimizes jerks and vibrations, helping travellers rest better through the night.Hygiene standards have also been upgraded. Advanced disinfectant systems inside the coaches are capable of neutralising up to 99% of germs, while passengers receive freshly prepared linens and towels-an upgrade that aligns with premium hospitality standards.
Safety has not been compromised in the pursuit of speed. The train is equipped with the indigenous Kavach automatic train protection system, along with continuous onboard surveillance. Automatic sliding doors remain locked during transit and open only when the train halts at stations, adding an extra layer of security.
A Taste of the Region on Wheels
Catering is included in the ticket price and is designed to reflect local culinary traditions rather than generic meals. Passengers travelling from Kamakhya to Howrah can expect Assamese flavours on their plates, while those heading toward Guwahati from West Bengal will be served Bengali cuisine. The service follows a premium, airline-style model, elevating dining into part of the overall travel experience.Vande Bharat Sleeper Train Number, Schedule, Timings, and Ticket Price
Train number 27575 Howrah-Kamakhya (Guwahati) Vande Bharat sleeper will leave at 18:20 from Howrah to arrive in Kamakhya the next day at 8:20 AM. The train will complete the journey in just 14 hours, making it the fastest train on the route. The Vande Bharat sleeper train offers three classes of accommodation, catering to different budgets while maintaining a premium baseline:- 3AC: around ₹2,300
- 2AC: approximately ₹3,000
- 1AC: close to ₹3,600