Vande Bharat Sleeper between Howrah–Kamakhya sells out within hours ahead of first commercial run

The first commercial run of the Vande Bharat Sleeper Express on the Howrah–Kamakhya route has seen an overwhelming response from passengers, with tickets across all classes getting fully booked within hours of reservations opening.

Bookings for the new semi-high-speed sleeper service were opened on January 19 at 8 am through PRS and other authorised platforms. Within less than a day, seats on both directions of the route were sold out, highlighting strong passenger demand for faster and more comfortable overnight rail travel.

The Vande Bharat Sleeper was flagged off by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on January 17 from Malda Town. The Kamakhya–Howrah service (train number 27576) will begin its commercial operations from January 22, while the Howrah–Kamakhya service (train number 27575) will start running from January 23. Train number 27575 will operate on all days except Thursday, while train number 27576 will run on all days except Wednesday.

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Railway officials said the response to the inaugural commercial run reflects a growing preference among passengers for premium, modern trains offering improved safety, comfort and reduced travel time. The service is expected to significantly strengthen rail connectivity between eastern India and the Northeast, while offering a world-class overnight travel experience.

Also Read: New Rules for Vande Bharat Sleeper, Amrit Bharat II: Late ticket cancellations could cost up to 100% fare

Route and stoppages

During its journey, the Vande Bharat Sleeper will halt at 13 stations: Bandel, Nabadwip Dham, Katwa, Azimganj, New Farakka, Malda Town, Aluabari Road, New Jalpaiguri, Jalpaiguri Road, New Cooch Behar, New Alipurduar, New Bongaigaon and Rangiya.

Timings and journey duration

The Howrah-Kamakhya Vande Bharat Sleeper (27575) train service will leave Howrah at precisely 6.20 pm and reach Kamakhya at exactly 8.20 am the following day. Following the same route, train number 27576 will depart from Kamakhya at 6.15 pm and arrive at Howrah at 8.15 am the next morning. Hence, the entire journey will last about 14 hours.

Fare structure

The ticket prices are different according to distance and the class chosen. The full trip from Howrah to Kamakhya has the following fare rates: Rs 2,435 for AC 3-tier, Rs 3,145 for AC 2-tier, and Rs 3,855 for AC First Class. Prices for stations in between are set from Rs 1,010 to Rs 2,335 for AC 3-tier, Rs 1,305 to Rs 3,015 for AC 2-tier, and Rs 1,600 to Rs 3,695 for AC First Class.

Also Read: PM Modi flags off India’s first Vande Bharat Sleeper Train — See fares, features & route details

Revised ticket cancellation rules

As per the updated Railway rules, no refund will be issued if a ticket is cancelled less than eight hours before the scheduled departure, as chart preparation now begins eight hours prior to departure.

A cancellation made after booking will attract a 25 per cent deduction. If a ticket is cancelled between 72 hours and eight hours before departure, a 50 per cent charge will be levied. The revised flat cancellation charges, applicable if cancellation is done at least 48 hours before departure, are Rs 240 for AC First Class, Rs 200 for AC 2-tier, Rs 180 for AC 3-tier, Rs 120 for Sleeper Class and Rs 60 for Second Class.