The Northeast Frontier Railway (NFR) will begin regular operations of the Vande Bharat Sleeper Express between Kamakhya and Howrah from January 22, marking a major upgrade in overnight rail travel for Guwahati and the wider Northeast.
According to official details, Train No. 27576 Kamakhya-Howrah Vande Bharat Sleeper Express will commence service from January 22, 2026, operating six days a week except Wednesdays. The return service, Train No. 27575 Howrah-Kamakhya Vande Bharat Sleeper Express, will begin from January 23, 2026, except on Thursdays.
The Kamakhya–Howrah Vande Bharat Sleeper Express will begin regular service from January 22, 2026, as announced by Northeast Frontier Railway. Operating six days a week, the overnight train will strengthen Guwahati’s rail connectivity with West Bengal, offering faster travel and modern sleeper amenities.
Timings Put Guwahati at the Centre
For Guwahati passengers, the schedule is designed for overnight convenience. The Kamakhya–Howrah service will depart Kamakhya at 18:15 hrs and arrive at Howrah at 08:15 hrs the next morning. In the return direction, the train will leave Howrah at 18:20 hrs and reach Kamakhya at 08:20 hrs the following day.
Railway officials said the timings are expected to benefit working professionals, students, and long-distance travellers who rely on Guwahati as their primary rail gateway.
Stations En Route
The Vande Bharat Sleeper Express will halt at several major stations along the route, ensuring connectivity for key towns between Assam and West Bengal. The scheduled stops include:
- Rangiya
- New Bongaigaon
- New Alipurduar
- New Coochbehar
- New Jalpaiguri
- Malda Town
- New Farakka Junction
- Azimganj
- Katwa Junction
- Nabadwip Dham
- Bandel Junction
Officials noted that these halts cover important commercial, pilgrimage, and transit centres frequently accessed by travellers from Guwahati.
Modern Sleeper Configuration
The train will run with a 16-coach rake designed specifically for long-distance overnight journeys. The composition includes:
- 11 AC 3-tier coaches
- 4 AC 2-tier coaches
- 1 AC First Class coach
NFR said the sleeper Vande Bharat offers improved comfort, enhanced safety systems, and upgraded onboard amenities compared to conventional long-distance trains.
Why This Matters for Guwahati
Kamakhya is one of Guwahati’s most important railway terminals, handling a significant share of the city’s long-distance traffic. The introduction of a regular Vande Bharat Sleeper service strengthens Guwahati’s position as the Northeast’s principal rail hub while improving travel reliability to eastern India.
The service is expected to benefit pilgrims travelling to and from Kamakhya, tourists, and regular commuters who currently depend on slower overnight trains.
What Happens Next
Railway officials said ticketing details and reservation timelines will be announced closer to the service launch. The performance of the Kamakhya–Howrah Vande Bharat Sleeper is expected to guide the introduction of similar overnight services on other high-demand routes connected to Guwahati.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. When will the Kamakhya-Howrah Vande Bharat Sleeper start running?
The regular service will begin from January 22, 2026, operating six days a week.
Q2. How does this train benefit Guwahati passengers?
It offers faster, overnight connectivity from Kamakhya to Howrah with modern sleeper coaches, improving comfort and reducing travel time for long-distance travellers.