Vande Bharat Sleeper: Complete Timetable, Stoppages, and Route Details
The wait is finally over. India’s first Vande Bharat Sleeper train was officially flagged off on January 17, 2026, marking a historic shift in long-distance rail travel. Connecting Howrah (Kolkata) and Kamakhya (Guwahati), this train is set to replace the legendary Rajdhani and Saraighat Express as the preferred choice for overnight travelers.
If you are planning to book a ride, here is the definitive guide to its schedule, route, and frequency.
1. Train Numbers & Primary Schedule
The Vande Bharat Sleeper operates as a pair of trains, ensuring daily connectivity (except on maintenance days).
- Train No. 27575 (Howrah to Kamakhya):
- Departure: 18:20 (6:20 PM) from Howrah Junction.
- Arrival: 08:20 (8:20 AM) next day at Kamakhya Junction.
- Operational Days: Every day except Thursday.
- Train No. 27576 (Kamakhya to Howrah):
- Departure: 18:15 (6:15 PM) from Kamakhya Junction.
- Arrival: 08:15 (8:15 AM) next day at Howrah Junction.
- Operational Days: Every day except Wednesday.
Total Journey Time: Exactly 14 hours. This saves roughly 3–4 hours compared to the fastest existing trains on this route.
2. Complete Route Map & Stoppages
The train covers a distance of approximately 968 km, passing through key industrial and tourist hubs in West Bengal and Assam.
| Station Name | Arrival Time (Up/27575) | Departure Time (Up/27575) | Halt Duration |
| Howrah Jn (HWH) | — | 18:20 | Origin |
| Bandel Jn | 18:56 | 18:58 | 2 mins |
| Nabadwip Dham | 19:36 | 19:38 | 2 mins |
| Katwa Jn | 20:03 | 20:05 | 2 mins |
| Azimganj Jn | 20:50 | 20:55 | 5 mins |
| New Farakka Jn | 21:48 | 21:50 | 2 mins |
| Malda Town | 22:50 | 23:00 | 10 mins |
| Aluabari Road | 00:58 | 01:00 | 2 mins |
| New Jalpaiguri (NJP) | 01:40 | 01:50 | 10 mins |
| Jalpaiguri Road | 02:15 | 02:17 | 2 mins |
| New Cooch Behar | 03:20 | 03:25 | 5 mins |
| New Alipurduar | 03:45 | 03:47 | 2 mins |
| New Bongaigaon | 05:30 | 05:32 | 2 mins |
| Rangiya Jn | 07:10 | 07:12 | 2 mins |
| Kamakhya Jn (KYQ) | 08:20 | — | Destination |
3. Why This Route Matters
- Gateway to Northeast: This is the first semi-high-speed sleeper connection between Mainland India and the Seven Sisters.
- Tourism Boost: Business travelers and tourists heading to Shillong, Kaziranga, or Darjeeling (via NJP) now have a high-speed overnight option that arrives exactly at the start of the business day.
- Efficiency: The train maintains an average speed of roughly 70–80 kmph even through difficult terrain, with a maximum permissible speed of 130 kmph on most sections (upgradable to 160 kmph soon).
4. Booking Tips for 2026
- The “No Waitlist” Rule: Remember, Indian Railways has introduced a Confirmed-Only policy for Vande Bharat Sleeper trains. If the 823 seats are booked, you will not be able to buy a ticket.
- Best Class for Comfort: For the ultimate experience, the 1AC coach is the only one featuring hot water showers and a personalized attendant call system.
- Advance Booking: Tickets open 60 days in advance. Given the high demand for the Howrah-Guwahati sector, weekend slots usually fill up within minutes of opening.
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