Indian Railways has officially launched ticket booking for the country's first Vande Bharat Sleeper train. This premium service connects Kamakhya in Assam with Howrah in West Bengal, marking a significant upgrade in rail connectivity for Northeast India.
Service Commencement and Schedule
The commercial operations begin this week. Train number 27576, the Kamakhya-Howrah Vande Bharat Sleeper Express, starts its regular service from January 22. The return service, train number 27575 from Howrah to Kamakhya, begins running from January 23.
These trains will operate almost daily. The Kamakhya-Howrah service runs on all days except Wednesday. The Howrah-Kamakhya service operates every day except Thursday.
Route and Stoppages
During its journey between these two important stations, the Vande Bharat Sleeper train makes thirteen intermediate stops. Passengers can board or alight at Rangiya, New Bongaigaon, New Alipurduar, New Cooch Behar, Jalpaiguri Road, New Jalpaiguri, Aluabari Road, Malda Town, New Farakka, Azimganj, Katwa, Nabadwip Dham, and Bandel.
Speed and Performance
This train represents India's engineering capabilities. While designed to reach maximum speeds of 180 kilometers per hour, it will operate at up to 130 kmph on the Howrah-Kamakhya route. This ensures both efficiency and safety across the varied terrain.
Advanced Safety Features
The Vande Bharat Sleeper incorporates several passenger-friendly technologies. It features the indigenous Automatic Train Protection system called KAVACH. This system enhances operational safety significantly.
An emergency talk back system allows immediate communication during critical situations. These features demonstrate Indian Railways' commitment to modernizing passenger experience while prioritizing safety.
Station-Wise Ticket Prices
Passengers can now check fares for different segments of the journey. The pricing varies based on distance and class of travel. Here are the station-wise fares from Kamakhya:
- Kamakhya to Rangiya: AC 3 Tier: ₹1,010, AC 2 Tier: ₹1,305, AC First Class: ₹1,600
- Kamakhya to New Bongaigaon: AC 3 Tier: ₹1,010, AC 2 Tier: ₹1,305, AC First Class: ₹1,600
- Kamakhya to New Alipurduar: AC 3 Tier: ₹1,010, AC 2 Tier: ₹1,305, AC First Class: ₹1,600
- Kamakhya to New Cooch Behar: AC 3 Tier: ₹1,010, AC 2 Tier: ₹1,305, AC First Class: ₹1,600
- Kamakhya to Jalpaiguri Road: AC 3 Tier: ₹1,010, AC 2 Tier: ₹1,305, AC First Class: ₹1,600
- Kamakhya to New Jalpaiguri: AC 3 Tier: ₹1,015, AC 2 Tier: ₹1,310, AC First Class: ₹1,605
- Kamakhya to Aluabari Road: AC 3 Tier: ₹1,160, AC 2 Tier: ₹1,495, AC First Class: ₹1,835
- Kamakhya to Malda Town: AC 3 Tier: ₹1,605, AC 2 Tier: ₹2,070, AC First Class: ₹2,535
- Kamakhya to New Farakka: AC 3 Tier: ₹1,690, AC 2 Tier: ₹2,180, AC First Class: ₹2,675
- Kamakhya to Azimganj: AC 3 Tier: ₹1,890, AC 2 Tier: ₹2,440, AC First Class: ₹2,990
- Kamakhya to Katwa: AC 3 Tier: ₹2,075, AC 2 Tier: ₹2,680, AC First Class: ₹3,285
- Kamakhya to Nabadwip Dham: AC 3 Tier: ₹2,175, AC 2 Tier: ₹2,805, AC First Class: ₹3,440
- Kamakhya to Bandel: AC 3 Tier: ₹2,340, AC 2 Tier: ₹3,020, AC First Class: ₹3,700
- Kamakhya to Howrah: AC 3 Tier: ₹2,435, AC 2 Tier: ₹3,145, AC First Class: ₹3,855
Operation and Maintenance
The Northeast Frontier Railway zone manages both operation and maintenance of this new service. This ensures regional expertise in handling the train's requirements along this specific route.
The introduction of the Vande Bharat Sleeper train represents a major step forward for rail travel in Eastern India. It combines speed, comfort, and advanced technology to create a premium travel experience for passengers connecting Assam and West Bengal.
