India’s first Vande Bharat sleeper train to start from Jan 22: check stops, timings, fares

Nearly six years after the launch of Vande Bharat train in 2019, India is set to experience first commercial run of the train on Thursday (January 22, 2026). The modernised train will be operated by the Northeast Frontier Railway (NFR) zone. It is set to cover Guwahati (Kamakhya)-Howrah, covering 972 kilometres in 14 hours.

Train timings

According to Ministry of Railways, one train set (Train No 27576) is scheduled to depart from Kamakhya station at 6.15 pm, and arrive at Howrah at 8.15 am the next morning, covering 972 kilometres in 14 hours. The other train set (Train No 27575) will depart from Howrah at 6.20 pm and arrive at Kamakhya at 8.20 am the next morning.

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Notably, the Kamakhya–Howrah Vande Bharat Sleeper Express (27576) will not operate on Wednesday, and Howrah–Kamakhya Vande Bharat Sleeper Express (27575) will not run on Thursday.

Ticket fares

The ticket price in the Vande Bharat Sleeper Express from Guwahati (Kamakhya) to Howrah for Tier 1-AC is fixed at ₹ 3,855. While, for Tier-2 AC and Tier-3 AC has been set at ₹3,145 and ₹2,435, respectively. The similar charges are likely to be applied when booked from Howrah to Kamakhya.

Train stoppages

During its run between Kamakhya and Howrah station, the newly built Vande Bharat Sleeper Express will see 13 stoppages in the route. These include Rangiya, New Bongaigaon, New Alipurduar, New Cooch Behar, Jalpaiguri Road, New Jalpaiguri, Aluabari Road, Malda Town, New Farakka, Azimganj, Katwa, Nabadwip Dham, and Bandel.

Ticket cancellation charges

According to the Railways, passengers will not receive any refund if a ticket is cancelled less than eight hours before the train’s scheduled departure. The new rules have come into force since Railways has started preparing the chart eight hours before a train’s departure.

Likewise, a 25 % deduction charge will be levied if a ticket is cancelled anytime after booking. Further, 50% charge will be applied if cancellation is done between 72 hours and eight hours before the train’s scheduled departure.

Here is the updated cancellation rate on tickets: ₹240 for Tier-1 AC, ₹200 Tier-2 AC, ₹180 for Tier-3 AC, ₹120 for sleeper, and ₹60 for second class. The following charges are levied in case a ticket is cancelled 48 hours before a train’s scheduled departure.

India’s first Vande Bharat sleeper train at Kamakhya Railway Station, in Guwahati.
| Photo Credit:
PTI

Is this the fastest train in this route?

According to Ministry of Railways, the existing Saraighat Express (12345/12346) with 15 stops covered the journey in 17 hours. In comparison, Vande Bharat Sleeper Express will reduce the estimated journey time by three hours. Moreover, the districts impacted by this new semi-high-speed train will include Kamrup Metropolitan and Bongaigaon in Assam State, and Coochbehar, Jalpaiguri, Maldah, Murshidabad, Purba Bardhaman, Hooghly, and Howrah in West Bengal State.

Coach composition

The train will have 16 coaches , including 11 three-tier AC coaches, 4 two-tier AC coaches, and 1 first-class AC coach , with a total capacity of around 823 passengers.