Vande Bharat sleeper flag off today: Prime Minister Narendra Modi flagged off the first Vande Bharat sleeper train set of Indian Railways from Malda town in West Bengal today. The inaugural Vande Bharat sleeper train will run between Howrah in West Bengal and Kamakya (Guwahati) in Assam.
The all air-conditioned train aims to make overnight train journeys faster and more premium and comfortable for passengers. The Vande Bharat Sleeper train has 16 air-conditioned coaches, including 11 AC-3 tier coaches, four AC-2 tier coaches and a single First AC coach, with an overall passenger carrying capacity of 823.
Vande Bharat Sleeper Train Number, Schedule & Timings
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.
En route the it will stop at Bandel Jn, Nabadwip Dham, Katwa Jn, Azimganj, New Farakka Jn, Malda Town, Aluabari Road, New Jalpaiguri, Jalpaiguri Road, New Cooch Behar, New Alipurduar, New Bongaigaon, and Rangiya. At most of these destinations the train will stop for 2 minutes, except New Jalpaiguri (10 minutes), Malda Town (10 minutes), Azim Ganj (5 minutes).
In the return direction, train number 27576 Howrah-Kamakhya Vande Bharat sleeper train will depart from Howrah station at 6:15 PM to arrive in Kamakhya at 8:15 AM.
The train will run on six days in a week; Ex Kamakhya won’t run on Wednesday and Ex-Howrah won’t run on Thursdays.
Vande Bharat Sleeper Fare Structure & Ticket Prices
For passengers travelling from Howrah to Kamakhya (Guwahati), the AC-3 tier train ticket will be priced at Rs 2,299. This is exclusive of the 5% GST. Fares to New Jalpaiguri and Malda Town will be Rs 1,334 and Rs 960, respectively.
In the AC-2 tier category, the Howrah–Guwahati fare has been fixed at Rs 2,970, with tickets costing Rs 1,724 for New Jalpaiguri and Rs 1,240 for Malda Town.
First AC fares from Howrah to Guwahati have been set at Rs 3,640, while travel to New Jalpaiguri will cost Rs 2,113 and journeys to Malda Town Rs 1,520.
On the Kamakhya side, fares between Kamakhya and Malda Town have been set at Rs 1,522 for AC-3 tier, Rs 1,965 for AC-2 tier and Rs 2,409 for First AC, while tickets between Kamakhya and New Jalpaiguri will be priced at Rs 962 in AC-3 tier, Rs 1,243 in AC-2 tier and Rs 1,524 in First AC.
Vande Bharat Sleeper: What Are The Top Features?
Vande Bharat sleeper trains have been designed for a top speed of 180 kmph and have been tested successfully at that speed. The maximum permissible speed of the train is 160 kmph, though this will vary depending on the route.
Safety and efficiency are addressed through the indigenous KAVACH anti-collision system, while regenerative braking technology will be deployed to improve energy efficiency, in line with existing Vande Bharat chair car trains.
The sleeper coaches are equipped with well-padded berths to enhance comfort, along with improved access to upper berths to make movement easier for passengers.
Onboard facilities include gentle night-time lighting, integrated passenger information systems, CCTV monitoring and modular pantry units.
The trains also feature aircraft-style bio-vacuum toilets, including specially designed amenities for persons with disabilities, baby care facilities and hot-water shower units in the first-class coach.
Additional enhancements include sealed gangways and automatic doors between coaches to help regulate air quality and cabin temperature, as well as individual reading lamps, charging points, foldable snack tables and interiors finished with GFRP panels.
Automatic door operation at designated stations, a centralised coach monitoring system and emergency communication features that enable passengers to directly reach the locomotive pilot further strengthen safety and convenience.
Its aerodynamic profile helps reduce air resistance, resulting in a steady and smooth ride even at higher speeds.
Passengers travelling on the Vande Bharat Sleeper will be served cuisine that reflects local flavours. According to Indian Railways, trains originating from Guwahati will offer authentic Assamese dishes, while services starting from Kolkata will feature traditional Bengali food, adding a cultural dimension to the journey and making overnight travel more enjoyable.
Vande Bharat Sleeper Launch: Top Features & Stunning Photos