PM Modi to Launch Historic Vande Bharat Sleeper Train This Weekend
Prime Minister Narendra Modi will flag off India's first Vande Bharat Sleeper train on Saturday, January 17. This marks a significant milestone for the country's railway network. The premium overnight service will connect Howrah in West Bengal with Guwahati (Kamakhya) in Assam.
Train Details and Operations
The Northeast Frontier Railway (NFR) zone will operate and maintain this new train. It features 16 coaches with different accommodation classes. The composition includes 11 AC 3-tier coaches, four AC 2-tier coaches, and one AC 1st class coach.
Railway authorities have allocated two complete rakes for service on the Howrah-Guwahati-Howrah route. The inaugural special will run on January 17 under the Prime Minister's supervision from Malda Town station.
Route and Stoppages
This Vande Bharat Sleeper Express will make stops at 13 important stations during its journey. Passengers can board or alight at:
- Bandel
- Nabadwip Dham
- Katwa
- Azimganj
- New Farakka
- Malda Town
- Aluabari Road
- New Jalpaiguri
- Jalpaiguri Road
- New Cooch Behar
- New Alipurduar
- New Bongaigaon
- Rangiya
Service Frequency and Schedule
The Howrah-Kamakhya-Howrah Vande Bharat Express will operate six days each week. Train number 27575 runs from Howrah to Kamakhya on all days except Thursday. The return service, train number 27576, operates from Kamakhya to Howrah every day except Wednesday.
The complete overnight journey takes approximately 14 hours. Train 27575 departs Howrah at 6:20 PM and arrives at Kamakhya at 8:20 AM the next morning. In the opposite direction, train 27576 leaves Kamakhya at 6:15 PM and reaches Howrah at 8:15 AM the following day.
Travel Experience and Significance
This sleeper version of the Vande Bharat trains represents a major upgrade for long-distance rail travel in India. The service connects two important eastern cities while passing through multiple states. It offers modern amenities and comfortable overnight travel options for passengers.
The launch demonstrates the government's continued focus on improving railway infrastructure and connectivity. This train will particularly benefit travelers moving between West Bengal and Assam, providing a faster and more comfortable alternative to existing services.
Railway enthusiasts and regular commuters have eagerly awaited this sleeper variant of the popular Vande Bharat trains. The introduction promises to transform the travel experience on this busy route.
