India’s railways have introduced a brand-new sleeper version of the Vande Bharat Express, making overnight train travel faster, more comfortable and modern. This new train connects Howrah Junction (near Kolkata) in West Bengal with Kamakhya Junction (near Guwahati) in Assam, covering around 968 km in about 14 hours.
The train was officially flagged off on 17 January 2026, and its commercial operations started from late January 2026. It’s operated by the Northeast Frontier Railway zone and has quickly become popular — tickets sold out within hours when they first opened.
📍 Route and Stops
The Vande Bharat Sleeper Express halts at 13 major stations between Howrah and Kamakhya. Some of the key stops include:
Bandel → Nabadwip Dham → Katwa → Azimganj → New Farakka → Malda Town → New Jalpaiguri → Jalpaiguri Road → New Cooch Behar → New Alipurduar → New Bongaigaon → Rangiya before reaching Kamakhya.
This overnight service is designed for traveller comfort — you board in the evening and arrive early next morning, making it perfect for people who want to sleep through the journey rather than travel during the day.
💺 Coaches, Comfort & Classes
The train has 16 fully air-conditioned coaches with three classes:
• AC First Class (1A) for premium comfort
• AC Two-Tier (2A)
• AC Three-Tier (3A) for more affordable travel
All coaches have comfortable sleeping berths, advanced safety systems, and modern facilities for a pleasant overnight trip. (Outlook Traveller)
💰 Fares & Booking
Ticket prices depend on the class: approximately ₹2,300 for 3AC, ₹3,000 for 2AC and ₹3,600 for 1AC one-way between Howrah and Kamakhya.
🔎 FAQs
Q. When did the sleeper Vande Bharat start?
It began commercial service in January 2026 after an official launch in mid-January.
Q. How long is the train journey?
About 14 hours from evening to early morning.
Q. What classes does it offer?
AC First Class, AC Two-Tier and AC Three-Tier
Q. Where does this train stop?
It stops at 13 stations along the route between Howrah and Kamakhya.
