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PM Modi flags off India’s 1st Vande Bharat Sleeper train from Malda – check inaugural run details

Howrah-Guwahati Vande Bharat Sleeper launch: This new orange and grey coloured modern train is expected to revolutionise the overnight rail travel in the country.

3 min readUpdated: Jan 17, 2026 01:39 PM IST

PM Modi flags off the new Vande Bharat train in Malda, West Bengal (Enhanced with AI).

PM Modi in West Bengal, Vande Bharat Sleeper launch: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday, January 17, flagged off the country’s first Vande Bharat Sleeper train from Malda Town railway station in West Bengal. The train will operate on the Howrah–Guwahati (Kamakhya) route, though on its inaugural run today it will run between Malda Town and Kamakhya in Assam. He also flagged off the Guwahati (Kamakhya)-Howrah Vande Bharat Sleeper train virtually.

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Vande Bharat Sleeper latest news

This new orange and grey coloured modern train is expected to revolutionise the overnight rail travel in the country. Besides improving connectivity between the two states, the train is expected to cut travel time by up to six hours. It will also enhance the onboard passenger experience, with regional cuisines being served.

Also Read | Howrah-Guwahati Vande Bharat Sleeper ticket booking to begin soon – 5 things every passengers should know

Vande Bharat Sleeper inaugural run details

Developed by BEML using ICF technology, this new long-distance semi-high-speed train has commenced its inaugural run. For today, the Kamakhya–Howrah Vande Bharat Sleeper Express will run as train number 02076. Meanwhile, the Howrah–Kamakhya Vande Bharat Sleeper Express will operate as train number 02075, running between Malda Town and Kamakhya on its inaugural run on Saturday.

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Guwahati-Howrah Vande Bharat Sleeper Express inaugural special: Stoppages

On Saturday (January 17), train number 02076 Kamakhya-Howrah Vande Bharat Sleeper inaugural special will stop at 13 railway stations. These are: Rangiya, New Bongaigaon, New Alipurduar, New Coochbehar, Jalpaiguri Road, New Jalpaiguri, Aluabari Road, Malda Town, New Farakka, Azimganj, Katwa, Nabadwip Dham and Bandel.

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Also Read | Vande Bharat Sleeper Express fare: How much it will cost from Howrah/Kamakhya to Malda, NJP

Malda Town-Kamakhya Vande Bharat Sleeper inaugural special: Stoppages

Train number 02075 Malda Town-Kamakhya Vande Bharat Sleeper inaugural special will halt at seven stations en route. These are: Aluabari Road, New Jalpaiguri, Jalpaiguri Road, New Coochbehar, New Alipurduar, New Bongaigaon and Rangiya.

Also Read | Lower berth booking rules in Howrah-Guwahati Vande Bharat Sleeper Express: All you need to know

Kamakhya-Howrah Vande Bharat Sleeper Express inaugural special: Time table

According to the Northeast Frontier Railway, train number 02076, the Kamakhya–Howrah Vande Bharat Sleeper inaugural special, will depart from Kamakhya at 12:45 hrs and arrive at Howrah at 03:25 hrs on Sunday. Meanwhile, train number 02075, the Malda Town–Kamakhya Vande Bharat Sleeper inaugural special, will leave Malda Town at 12:45 hrs and reach Kamakhya at 22:45 hrs the same day. However, the schedule may change because of the inauguration ceremony.

Flagged Off: January 17, 2026 (Saturday) | Composition: Vande Bharat Sleeper Rake (16 Cars)

02076 Kamakhya-Howrah

Train: 02076 Kamakhya-Howrah Vande Bharat Sleeper Inaugural Special

Date: 17-01-2026 (Saturday) & 18-01-2026 (Sunday)

02075 Malda Town-Kamakhya

Train: 02075 Malda Town-Kamakhya Vande Bharat Sleeper Inaugural Special

Date: 17-01-2026 (Saturday)

02076 Kamakhya → Howrah

Station	ARR.	DEP.	Day
Kamakhya	----	12:45	17-01
Rangiya	13:20	13:25	17-01
New Alipurduar	14:40	14:45	17-01
New Alipurduar	16:05	16:10	17-01
New Coochbehar	16:25	16:30	17-01
Jalpaiguri Road	17:42	17:47	17-01
New Jalpaiguri	18:25	18:30	17-01
Alhazarat	19:25	19:30	17-01
Malda Town	22:15	22:25	17-01
New Farakka Jn	23:00	23:05	17-01
Azimganj	23:52	23:54	17-01
Katwa Jn.	00:36	00:41	18-01
Nabadwip Dham	01:05	01:07	18-01
Bandel Jn.	01:50	01:52	18-01
Howrah	03:25	----	18-01

02075 Malda Town → Kamakhya

Station	ARR.	DEP.	Day
Malda Town	----	12:45	17-01
Aluabari Road	14:45	14:50	17-01
New Alipurduar	15:35	15:45	17-01
Jalpaiguri Road	16:20	16:25	17-01
New Jalpaiguri	17:35	17:40	17-01
New Alipurduar	17:55	18:00	17-01
New Bongaigaon	19:30	19:35	17-01
Rangiya	21:00	21:05	17-01
Kamakhya	22:45	----	17-01

Note: Inaugural special services flagged off on January 17, 2026 (Saturday). Regular services to commence subsequently.

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Anish Mondal

Anish Mondal is a journalist with over nine years of experience covering the railways and roadways. Currently a member of the Indianexpress.com editorial team, Anish specializes in high-impact sectors. Professional Journey Anish began his career at the public broadcaster Rajya Sabha Television (now Sansad TV), where he developed a foundational understanding of legislative processes and national governance. In 2018, he transitioned to digital financial journalism at FinancialExpress.com, spending nearly six years refining his expertise in market trends and corporate reporting. Before joining The Indian Express in 2025, he served as a key contributor at ETNowNews.com. Education & Expertise Anish’s reporting is backed by a rigorous academic background in communication and the humanities: Master of Journalism and Mass Communication (MJMC) – Apeejay Stya University Post Graduate Diploma in Journalism and Production (PGTVRJP) – Apeejay Institute of Mass Communication Bachelor of Arts (English Honours) – University of Calcutta Areas of Coverage Connectivity: Detailed reporting on the expansion of Indian Railways and National Highway networks. ... Read More

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