New delhi / Kolkata, january 2026 – indian Railways has introduced the Howrah‑Kamakhya Vande Bharat Sleeper Express, the country’s first overnight premium sleeper Vande Bharat train connecting Howrah (West Bengal) and Kamakhya (Guwahati, Assam). The service promises faster, more comfortable overnight AC travel for passengers along the long eastern corridor.
The train operates as:
- 27575 Howrah‑Kamakhya Vande Bharat Sleeper – departing Howrah at ~18:20 and reaching Kamakhya next morning (~08:20).
- 27576 Kamakhya‑Howrah Vande Bharat Sleeper – leaves Kamakhya ~18:15 and arrives Howrah ~08:15 the next day.
Total journey time is roughly 14 hours with multiple stoppages on the route.
🧾 Ticket Prices (IRCTC / Fare Structure)
This fully air‑conditioned sleeper service offers three classes:
- AC 3‑Tier (3AC)
- AC 2‑Tier (2AC)
- AC First Class (1AC)
Here’s a sample of IRCTC fare estimates for popular station pairs on the route (one‑way):
From‑To
3AC (₹)
2AC (₹)
1AC (₹)
Howrah–Bandel
1010
1315
1600
Howrah–New Jalpaiguri
1425
1840
2255
Howrah–New Cooch Behar
1740
2250
2755
Howrah–Kamakhya
2435
3145
3855
Similarly, on the return (Kamakhya‑Howrah) route, fares vary with distance.
How Fares Are Calculated
- The Vande Bharat Sleeper uses a distance‑based premium fare model.
- There’s often a minimum chargeable distance (e.g., ~400 km) so shorter trips may still be billed at a set base fare.
- GST (5%) applies on top of the base fare.
📅 IRCTC Booking & Travel Period
- Tickets for this train can be booked online via IRCTC’s website or mobile app, or at railway reservation counters.
- Bookings typically open 60 days in advance of the travel date, following standard irctc rules for reserved trains.
- Since this is positioned as a premium overnight service, only confirmed berths are issued — there is no RAC (Reservation Against Cancellation) or waitlist for this train.
❌ Cancellation & Refund Rules
Indian Railways has introduced stricter cancellation and refund norms for Vande Bharat Sleeper trains, effective from january 16, 2026. These rules aim to reduce last‑minute cancellations and ensure better seat utilization on this high‑demand service.
Key Cancellation Charges:
- More than 72 hours before departure: 25% of fare deducted; 75% refund returned.
- Between 72 hours and up to 8 hours before departure: 50% of fare deducted; 50% refund.
- Less than 8 hours before departure: No refund at all.
Important Note:
To get any refund, you must cancel the ticket or file a Ticket Deposit Receipt (TDR) online at least 8 hours before departure. If you miss this window, the entire fare is forfeited.
These cancellation rules are stricter than those on regular express trains, where refunds are allowed closer to departure. They are designed to discourage speculative bookings and optimize occupancy.
🛏️ What You Get on the Train
The Vande Bharat Sleeper is built for comfort and convenience, combining high speeds with modern amenities:
- Fully air‑conditioned 3AC, 2AC, and 1AC sleeper coaches
- Comfortable berths suitable for overnight travel
- On‑board features like improved lighting, bio‑vacuum toilets, and better safety systems
- Meals with regional menu options on some services (subject to booking)
In Summary
The Howrah‑Kamakhya Vande Bharat Sleeper is India’s first dedicated overnight Vande Bharat service, offering premium, faster travel between eastern and northeastern India. Fares vary by class and distance, and tickets are bookable through IRCTC. However, passengers must note the strict cancellation norms — especially the deadline for refunds and the lack of RAC options — to avoid losing their fare.
Disclaimer:
The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of any agency, organization, employer, or company. All information provided is for general informational purposes only. While every effort has been made to ensure accuracy, we make no representations or warranties of any kind, express or implied, about the completeness, reliability, or suitability of the information contained herein. Readers are advised to verify facts and seek professional advice where necessary. Any reliance placed on such information is strictly at the reader’s own risk.
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