India’s First Vande Bharat Sleeper: Howrah-Kamakhya Schedule, Ticket Price, and Stoppages
Kolkata to Get India’s First Vande Bharat Sleeper: Check Full Schedule & Fares
Railway travel in Eastern India is about to witness a historic transformation. Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to flag off the country’s first Vande Bharat Sleeper Express on Saturday, January 17, 2026. Connecting Howrah (Kolkata) and Kamakhya (Guwahati), this premium overnight service promises to redefine comfort for long-distance commuters.
Departure and Arrival Timings
The train is designed for a seamless overnight journey, cutting down the existing travel time by nearly 3 hours compared to the iconic Saraighat Express.
* Train Number: 27575 (Howrah to Kamakhya)
* Departure (Howrah): 18:20 (6:20 PM)
* Arrival (Kamakhya): 08:20 AM (Next Day)
* Frequency: 6 days a week (Runs every day except Thursday from Howrah).
> Pro Tip: The return train (27576) departs Kamakhya at 18:15 and reaches Howrah at 08:15 AM the next morning (Runs every day except Wednesday).
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Ticket Fare Structure
The Railways has finalized a competitive fare structure for this 16-coach luxury locomotive. Below are the estimated prices (excluding GST):
| Class | Howrah to Kamakhya (Guwahati) | Howrah to New Jalpaiguri (NJP) |
|
Class |
Fare: Howrah to Kamakhya (INR) |
Fare: Howrah to NJP (INR) |
|---|---|---|
|
AC 3-Tier |
2299 |
1334 |
|
AC 2-Tier |
2970 |
1724 |
|
AC First Class |
3640 |
2113 |
* No RAC Policy: To ensure a premium experience, Indian Railways has decided not to issue RAC (Reservation Against Cancellation) tickets. Only confirmed berths will be available.
* Speed: While the train successfully touched 180 kmph during trials, it will operate at a steady 130 kmph on this route.
* World-Class Amenities: Expect automatic doors, vacuum toilets, "Kavach" safety systems, and ergonomically designed berths that are far superior to standard Rajdhani coaches.
* Regional Cuisine: Passengers will be treated to authentic Bengali delicacies on departures from Howrah and Assamese flavours on the return leg from Kamakhya.
Departure and Arrival Timings
The train is designed for a seamless overnight journey, cutting down the existing travel time by nearly 3 hours compared to the iconic Saraighat Express.
Train Number: 27575 (Howrah to Kamakhya)
Departure (Howrah): 18:20 (6:20 PM)
Arrival (Kamakhya): 08:20 AM (Next Day)
Frequency: 6 days a week (Runs every day except Thursday from Howrah).
Pro Tip: The return train (27576) departs Kamakhya at 18:15 and reaches Howrah at 08:15 AM the next morning (Runs every day except Wednesday).
Ticket Fare Structure
The Railways has finalized a competitive fare structure for this 16-coach luxury locomotive. Below are the estimated prices (excluding GST
Major Stoppages
The train provides excellent connectivity to North Bengal and key districts in Assam. Major halts include:
* West Bengal: Bandel, Nabadwip Dham, Katwa, Azimganj, New Farakka, Malda Town, New Jalpaiguri (NJP), New Cooch Behar, and New Alipurduar
* Assam: New Bongaigaon, Rangiya, and finally Kamakhya.
When can you book?
Regular commercial services are expected to open for the general public on January 18, 2026. Bookings will likely open on the IRCTC portal 24–48 hours before the inaugural run.
