Top News

New Delhi: The first Vande Bharat sleeper train connecting Howrah in West Bengal and Guwahati in Assam will be flagged off by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday. While Prime Minister Modi will inaugurate the Vande Bharat sleeper train on the Howrah-Guwahati route from Malda in West Bengal, he will virtually flag off the Guwahati (Kamakhya)–Howrah sleeper train.

Unlike the chair-car Vande Bharat services that operate mainly on short and medium routes, the new long-distance sleeper variant train is designed to ease overnight journeys. The first Vande Bharat Sleeper Train will run between Guwahati in Assam and Howrah in West Bengal, marking a transformative step in long-distance overnight rail travel.

Vande Bharat sleeper train that is being flagged off today.#VandeBharatSleeper #IndianRailways pic.twitter.com/FkFdBllnCm

— My Growing Bharat (Modi Ka Parivar) (@mygrowingbharat) January 17, 2026

During its inaugural run today, the Kamakhya–Howrah Vande Bharat Sleeper Express will run as train number 02076. Meanwhile, the Howrah–Kamakhya Vande Bharat Sleeper Express will operate as train number 02075, running between Malda Town and Kamakhya on its inaugural journey on Saturday, covering a distance of close to 1,000 km. The first sleeper version of the Vande Bharat train promises to significantly reduce travel time by around 2.5 hours on the Howrah–Guwahati (Kamakhya) route.

Vande Bharat Sleeper train ticket price

The Vande Bharat Sleeper is cost-effective as compared to air travel and this is one of its standout features. The proposed fares are designed to offer premium comfort at a substantially lower cost than airlines. Distance-based pricing is at the core of the new policy as the minimum chargeable distance will be 400 km, even if a passenger travels less.

A passenger will have to pay Rs 1,520, Rs 1,240 and Rs 960 for a confirmed berth in AC 1, AC 2 and AC 3 classes, respectively, for travel over any distance between 1 km and 400 km. Beyond 400 km, charges will be calculated on a per-kilometre basis at Rs 3.20 for AC 1, Rs 3.10 for AC 2 and Rs 2.40 for AC 3.

The approx. fares for Howrah–Guwahati journey are:

• Rs 2300 for 3 AC
• Rs 3000 for 2 AC
• Rs 3600 for First AC

Vande Bharat Sleeper Reservation Rules: No RAC, No waiting list provisions

The Vande Bharat sleeper train will have no provision for RAC or partially confirmed tickets, according to the Railway Board. Also, only fully confirmed tickets will be permitted.

The train will operate with a limited set of reservation quotas. Applicable ones cover senior citizens, women passengers, persons with disabilities (PwD), and the duty pass quota.

Train stoppages

Train number 02076 Kamakhya-Howrah Vande Bharat Sleeper inaugural special will halt at 13 railway stations, including Rangiya, New Bongaigaon, New Alipurduar, New Coochbehar, Jalpaiguri Road, New Jalpaiguri, Aluabari Road, Malda Town, New Farakka, Azimganj, Katwa, Nabadwip Dham and Bandel.

Key features of Vande Bharat sleeper train

• The Vande Bharat sleeper train is equipped with modern technology, improved safety features and passenger-friendly facilities that would offer premium comfort to travellers at affordable fares.
  
  
• The Vande Bharat sleeper is designed specifically for long-distance journeys, comprising 16 air-conditioned coaches with a total capacity of 823 passengers. It is capable of operating at speeds of up to 180 kmph, which would significantly cut travel time.
• The berths of the train have been made with better cushioning to provide better body support to passengers and ensure improved overnight comfort. The train is equipped with modern toilets and advanced disinfectant technology.
• The train is also equipped with automatic sliding doors, improved fire safety mechanisms, disinfectant technology and CCTV surveillance in all coaches.