Kamal Ghorui
Vande Bharat sleeper, Indian Railways’ new train for overnight premium travel, has received overwhelming passenger response, according to the Ministry of Railways. The first commercial run of Vande Bharat Sleeper train between Kamakhya and Howrah saw all tickets selling out within hours of bookings opening, Indian Railways said.According to railway officials, reservations for the Vande Bharat Sleeper (Train No. 27576) were fully booked across all classes within 24 hours after ticket sales opened on January 19 through the Passenger Reservation System and online platforms. The train will begin its maiden commercial journey from Kamakhya on January 22 and from Howrah on January 23, according to a PIB press release.
The swift sell-out comes days after Prime Minister Narendra Modi flagged off the country’s first Vande Bharat sleeper train from Malda town in West Bengal on January 17. The service is aimed at making long-distance overnight travel faster and more comfortable while improving connectivity between eastern India and the Northeast.
Vande Bharat Sleeper: All About The New Train
The semi-high-speed, fully air-conditioned Vande Bharat sleeper will run six days a week, barring Wednesdays from Kamakhya and Thursdays from Howrah. It will complete the Howrah–Kamakhya journey in about 14 hours, making it the fastest train on the route. En route, it stops at key stations including Malda Town, New Jalpaiguri, New Cooch Behar and New Alipurduar.Railway officials said that the strong booking response reflects a growing preference among passengers for modern trains that offer shorter travel times, improved safety and enhanced comfort.The new service is expected to significantly benefit passengers travelling between West Bengal and Assam, particularly those undertaking overnight journeys.The Vande Bharat Sleeper train has 16 coaches, including AC 3-tier, AC 2-tier and First AC with a total passenger capacity of 823. Fares range from Rs 2,299 for AC 3-tier to Rs 3,640 for First AC between Howrah and Kamakhya, excluding GST.Designed for a maximum speed of 160 kmph, the train is equipped with safety systems such as the indigenous KAVACH anti-collision technology and regenerative braking. Passenger amenities include improved sleeping berths, onboard information systems, CCTV surveillance, bio-vacuum toilets, and facilities for persons with disabilities.Officials said the introduction of the sleeper version of the Vande Bharat marks an expansion of India’s premium rail services beyond day travel, with the high occupancy on its first run indicating sustained demand for upgraded long-distance train travel in the region.
