First Vande Bharat Sleeper Train: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday, January 17, flagged off India’s first Vande Bharat Sleeper train from Malda Town railway station in West Bengal. The new all-air-conditioned sleeper train will operate on the Howrah–Kamakhya (Guwahati) route and is aimed at improving overnight rail travel by reducing travel time by up to six hours.
- Key Takeaways on Vande Bharat Sleeper Train Launch
- PM Modi Flags Off First Vande Bharat Sleeper from Malda
- Inaugural Run Details and Special Train Numbers
- Inaugural Special Stoppages on January 17
- Kamakhya–Howrah Inaugural Special (Train No. 02076)
- Malda Town–Kamakhya Inaugural Special (Train No. 02075)
- Inaugural Timetable as per Northeast Frontier Railway
- Regular Services: Schedule, Train Numbers, and Days of Operation
- Regular Route Stoppages and Halt Duration
- Coach Composition, Capacity, and Passenger Amenities
- Speed, Safety Systems, and Technical Features
- Regional Cuisine and Onboard Food Services
- Fare Structure Across Classes and Stations
- Howrah to Kamakhya (Guwahati)
- Howrah to New Jalpaiguri
- Howrah to Malda Town
- Kamakhya to Malda Town
- Kamakhya to New Jalpaiguri
- What This Launch Means for Overnight Rail Travel
- Spiritual Reflection on Safe Journeys
- FAQs on Vande Bharat Sleeper Train Launch on Howrah–Kamakhya Route
On its inaugural run, the train is operating between Malda Town and Kamakhya in Assam. The Prime Minister also virtually flagged off the Guwahati (Kamakhya)–Howrah Vande Bharat Sleeper train. Developed by BEML using ICF technology, the train is designed as a long-distance semi-high-speed service with modern passenger amenities, safety systems, and region-specific onboard cuisine.
Key Takeaways on Vande Bharat Sleeper Train Launch
- PM Modi flagged off the first Vande Bharat Sleeper train from Malda Town, West Bengal, on January 17.
- The train will operate on the Howrah–Kamakhya (Guwahati) route.
- Inaugural runs are operating with special train numbers 02075 and 02076.
- Regular services are listed as train numbers 27575 and 27576.
- The train has 16 fully air-conditioned coaches with a capacity of 823 passengers.
- Designed speed is 180 kmph; maximum permissible speed is 160 kmph, depending on the route.
- Fares vary by class and station, exclusive of 5% GST.
- Indian Railways and Northeast Frontier Railway have provided operational and schedule details.
PM Modi Flags Off First Vande Bharat Sleeper from Malda
Prime Minister Narendra Modi flagged off the country’s first Vande Bharat Sleeper train from Malda Town railway station in West Bengal on Saturday, January 17. The train will operate on the Howrah–Kamakhya (Guwahati) route, improving overnight rail connectivity between West Bengal and Assam.
The train features an orange and grey exterior and is aimed at modernising long-distance overnight rail travel.
Also Read: Modern Train, Ancient Problem: Is Vande Bharat a Failure?
The service is expected to cut travel time by up to six hours and enhance passenger experience through upgraded facilities and region-specific cuisine.
Inaugural Run Details and Special Train Numbers
Developed by BEML using ICF technology, the new semi-high-speed long-distance train commenced its inaugural operations on Saturday.
For the inaugural run:
- Train number 02076: Kamakhya–Howrah Vande Bharat Sleeper Express inaugural special
- Train number 02075: Malda Town–Kamakhya Vande Bharat Sleeper Express inaugural special
Although the regular route is between Howrah and Kamakhya, the inaugural run is operating between Malda Town and Kamakhya.
Inaugural Special Stoppages on January 17
Kamakhya–Howrah Inaugural Special (Train No. 02076)
According to the Northeast Frontier Railway, train number 02076 will stop at 13 stations:
- Rangiya
- New Bongaigaon
- New Alipurduar
- New Coochbehar
- Jalpaiguri Road
- New Jalpaiguri
- Aluabari Road
- Malda Town
- New Farakka
- Azimganj
- Katwa
- Nabadwip Dham
- Bandel
Malda Town–Kamakhya Inaugural Special (Train No. 02075)
Train number 02075 will stop at seven stations:
- Aluabari Road
- New Jalpaiguri
- Jalpaiguri Road
- New Coochbehar
- New Alipurduar
- New Bongaigaon
- Rangiya
Inaugural Timetable as per Northeast Frontier Railway
According to the Northeast Frontier Railway:
- Train No. 02076 (Kamakhya–Howrah)
- Departure: 12:45 hrs from Kamakhya
- Arrival: 03:25 hrs at Howrah on Sunday
- Train No. 02075 (Malda Town–Kamakhya)
- Departure: 12:45 hrs from Malda Town
- Arrival: 22:45 hrs at Kamakhya the same day
The railway authority stated that schedules may change due to the inauguration ceremony.
Regular Services: Schedule, Train Numbers, and Days of Operation
For regular operations:
- Train No. 27575 Howrah–Kamakhya Vande Bharat Sleeper
- Departure: 18:20 from Howrah
- Arrival: 08:20 next day at Kamakhya
- Journey time: 14 hours
- Train No. 27576 Howrah–Kamakhya Vande Bharat Sleeper
- Departure: 18:15 from Howrah
- Arrival: 08:15 at Kamakhya
The train will run six days a week:
- Ex-Kamakhya will not run on Wednesdays
- Ex-Howrah will not run on Thursdays
The service is described as the fastest train on the route.
Regular Route Stoppages and Halt Duration
During regular operations, the train will stop at:
- Bandel Junction
- Nabadwip Dham
- Katwa Junction
- Azimganj
- New Farakka Junction
- Malda Town
- Aluabari Road
- New Jalpaiguri
- Jalpaiguri Road
- New Cooch Behar
- New Alipurduar
- New Bongaigaon
- Rangiya
Halt duration details:
- Most stations: 2 minutes
- New Jalpaiguri: 10 minutes
- Malda Town: 10 minutes
- Azimganj: 5 minutes
Coach Composition, Capacity, and Passenger Amenities
The Vande Bharat Sleeper train has 16 air-conditioned coaches, including:
- 11 AC-3 tier coaches
- 4 AC-2 tier coaches
- 1 First AC coach
Total passenger capacity: 823 passengers
Comfort and onboard facilities include:
- Well-padded berths
- Improved access to upper berths
- Gentle night-time lighting
- Integrated passenger information systems
- CCTV monitoring
- Modular pantry units
- Aircraft-style bio-vacuum toilets
- Facilities for persons with disabilities
- Baby care facilities
- Hot-water shower units in the First AC coach
- Sealed gangways and automatic doors
- Individual reading lamps
- Charging points
- Foldable snack tables
- Interiors finished with GFRP panels
Speed, Safety Systems, and Technical Features
The Vande Bharat Sleeper train is designed for a top speed of 180 kmph and has been tested successfully at that speed. The maximum permissible speed is 160 kmph, which varies depending on the route.
Safety and efficiency features include:
- Indigenous KAVACH anti-collision system
- Regenerative braking technology
- Centralised coach monitoring system
- Emergency communication system connecting passengers to the locomotive pilot
- Automatic door operation at designated stations
The aerodynamic design reduces air resistance, ensuring steady movement at higher speeds.
Regional Cuisine and Onboard Food Services
According to Indian Railways:
- Trains originating from Guwahati will serve authentic Assamese dishes
- Services starting from Kolkata will offer traditional Bengali food
This regional cuisine offering is intended to add a cultural dimension to overnight journeys.
Fare Structure Across Classes and Stations
All fares are exclusive of 5% GST.
Howrah to Kamakhya (Guwahati)
- AC-3 Tier: Rs 2,299
- AC-2 Tier: Rs 2,970
- First AC: Rs 3,640
Howrah to New Jalpaiguri
- AC-3 Tier: Rs 1,334
- AC-2 Tier: Rs 1,724
- First AC: Rs 2,113
Howrah to Malda Town
- AC-3 Tier: Rs 960
- AC-2 Tier: Rs 1,240
- First AC: Rs 1,520
Kamakhya to Malda Town
- AC-3 Tier: Rs 1,522
- AC-2 Tier: Rs 1,965
- First AC: Rs 2,409
Kamakhya to New Jalpaiguri
- AC-3 Tier: Rs 962
- AC-2 Tier: Rs 1,243
- First AC: Rs 1,524
What This Launch Means for Overnight Rail Travel
The introduction of the Vande Bharat Sleeper train marks the beginning of semi-high-speed overnight rail services on long-distance routes. With reduced travel time, enhanced safety systems, and modern passenger amenities, the train aims to offer a premium yet functional overnight travel option.
The service improves connectivity between West Bengal and Assam while integrating technical upgrades already seen in Vande Bharat chair car trains. According to Indian Railways and the Northeast Frontier Railway, the combination of operational efficiency, onboard comfort, and regional food services positions the Vande Bharat Sleeper as a new category of overnight rail service on Indian Railways’ long-distance network.
Spiritual Reflection on Safe Journeys
Major public transport developments often renew public reflection on safety, responsibility, and the value of human life during long-distance travel. In this context, followers of Tatvdarshi Saint Rampal Ji Maharaj state that true spiritual Knowledge teaches discipline, moral living, and awareness of life’s purpose, which influences how people behave in public spaces and social systems.
His followers believe that when individuals live with spiritual understanding, respect for rules and concern for others naturally increase. Such perspectives are often discussed alongside social order, personal conduct, and collective responsibility, especially during large public movements and travel, where discipline and awareness play a crucial role.
FAQs on Vande Bharat Sleeper Train Launch on Howrah–Kamakhya Route
Q1. From where was the first Vande Bharat Sleeper train flagged off?
It was flagged off from Malda Town railway station in West Bengal.
Q2. Which route will the Vande Bharat Sleeper train operate on?
It will operate on the Howrah–Kamakhya (Guwahati) route.
Q3. How many coaches does the train have?
The train has 16 air-conditioned coaches with a total capacity of 823 passengers.
Q4. Who provided operational and schedule details for the inaugural run?
The Northeast Frontier Railway provided the timetable and stoppage details.
Q5. Why is 160 kmph considered a high speed for trains?
160 kmph (kilometres per hour) means that a vehicle covers a distance of 160 kilometres in one hour.
