India’s First Vande Bharat Sleeper Train Begins Commercial Service Today
India has taken a major step forward in premium rail travel with the launch of its first Vande Bharat Sleeper Express, which begins commercial operations today, January 22. Designed for long-distance overnight journeys, the new semi-high-speed train promises faster travel, modern amenities and enhanced passenger comfort.
The Vande Bharat Sleeper will operate on the Kamakhya–Howrah–Kamakhya route, connecting Guwahati in Assam with Howrah near Kolkata. Prime Minister Narendra Modi flagged off the train earlier this week, and the service has already generated strong interest among passengers.
Faster and More Comfortable Travel
The new Vande Bharat Sleeper completes the journey in 14 hours, making it the fastest train on this route. This significantly reduces travel time compared to existing services, cutting over three hours from the current fastest train.
The train consists of 16 coaches and offers sleeper berths across three air-conditioned classes — AC 3 Tier, AC 2 Tier and AC First Class. It has been specially designed for overnight travel, combining speed with comfort.
Fares and Ticket Details
For the complete journey between Kamakhya and Howrah, ticket prices (including GST) are as follows:
- AC 3 Tier: ₹2,435
- AC 2 Tier: ₹3,145
- AC First Class: ₹3,855
Railway officials stated that fares are higher than conventional trains due to superior amenities, advanced safety features and modern facilities offered onboard.
Operational Schedule
- Train No. 27576 (Kamakhya–Howrah) starts service from January 22 and will run daily except Wednesdays.
- Train No. 27575 (Howrah–Kamakhya) begins from January 23 and will operate daily except Thursdays.
Two dedicated rakes have been deployed to ensure smooth and reliable operations.
Strong Passenger Response
The train’s first commercial run witnessed overwhelming demand, with all tickets selling out within hours of reservations opening. Railway authorities said the rapid booking response reflects growing passenger confidence in India’s modern rail services.
Minimum Fare Rule
Passengers will be charged a minimum fare for 400 km, even for shorter journeys. Per-kilometre fares are set at:
- ₹2.4 for AC 3 Tier
- ₹3.1 for AC 2 Tier
- ₹3.8 for AC First Class
GST will be charged separately as applicable.
A New Chapter in Rail Connectivity
The launch of the Vande Bharat Sleeper marks a significant milestone in Indian Railways’ push towards faster, safer and more premium long-distance travel, especially for the northeastern region.
(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by Bharatiya News staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)
