India’s First Vande Bharat Sleeper Train Set to Begin Service on Kamakhya–Howrah Route

Indian Railways is accelerating its push toward modern overnight rail travel with plans to introduce the country’s first Vande Bharat Sleeper train, and key operational details for its debut run on the Kamakhya (Guwahati)–Howrah (Kolkata) route have now surfaced.

According to an internal memorandum, the Northeast Frontier Railway (NFR) submitted tentative operating schedules to the Railway Board on December 15, 2025. The document confirms that the premium sleeper service is being planned as a fast, dedicated overnight train, designed to enhance long-distance connectivity between Eastern and Northeastern India. The self-propelled train set is expected to cover the 966 km journey in approximately 14 hours and 30 minutes, achieving an average speed of 66.62 kmph.

Proposed Overnight Timings

As per the draft schedule, the train will depart Kamakhya (KYQ) at 7:00 PM and arrive at Howrah (HWH) at 9:30 AM the following morning. For the return journey, departure from Howrah is planned at 6:00 PM, with arrival at Kamakhya at 8:30 AM the next day.

A key halt has been proposed at Malda Town (MLDT), where the train will stop for 10 minutes—from 4:50 AM to 5:00 AM on the down run and 10:30 PM to 10:40 PM on the up run.

The service is currently planned to run six days a week, with primary maintenance at Kamakhya and secondary maintenance at Howrah.

Improved Regional Connectivity

Within the NFR zone, the proposed stoppages include Rangiya, Barpeta Road, New Bongaigaon, Kokrajhar, New Cooch Behar, New Jalpaiguri, and Kishanganj. These halts are expected to provide faster and more comfortable travel options for passengers across multiple districts in Assam and West Bengal.

Modern Features & Passenger Comfort

As per available information, the Vande Bharat Sleeper train will comprise 16 fully air-conditioned coaches, offering AC First Class, AC Two-Tier, and AC Three-Tier accommodations, with a total capacity of around 823 passengers. The indigenous train has successfully completed high-speed trials up to 180 kmph and is equipped with the KAVACH anti-collision system, highlighting Indian Railways’ focus on safety and advanced technology.

While official fares are yet to be announced, early estimates suggest that the AC 3-tier fare between Guwahati and Kolkata could be around ₹2,300 for a one-way journey.

Narasapur–Chennai Vande Bharat Express: Train Number, Fare, Schedule, Route and Key Details

Indian Railways is set to boost semi-high-speed rail connectivity between Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu with the launch of the Narasapur–Chennai Vande Bharat Express. The new service will start commercial operations from December 15, offering faster travel, limited halts and modern onboard facilities for passengers.

While the Vande Bharat service from Narasapur to Chennai will begin on December 15, the Chennai to Narasapur service will commence from December 17. This extension is expected to significantly reduce journey time and improve intercity connectivity along the busy coastal corridor.

Official announcement by Southern Railway

According to Southern Railway, the existing Dr MGR Chennai Central–Vijayawada Vande Bharat Express (Train No. 20677/20678) will be extended up to Narasapur.

Train No. 20677 (Dr MGR Chennai Central–Vijayawada Vande Bharat Express), which runs six days a week except Tuesdays, will be extended to Narasapur from December 17, 2025. Train No. 20678 (Vijayawada–Dr MGR Chennai Central Vande Bharat Express) will be inaugurated and extended to run from Narasapur starting December 15, 2025.

Narasapur–Chennai Vande Bharat: Distance and travel time

The Narasapur–Chennai Vande Bharat Express will cover a distance of approximately 655 kilometres in around 8 hours and 55 minutes, making it one of the fastest rail options on this route.

Narasapur–Chennai Vande Bharat stoppages

During its journey between Dr MGR Chennai Central and Narasapur, the Vande Bharat Express will halt at seven key stations:

Renigunta Junction Nellore Ongole Tenali Junction Vijayawada Junction Gudivada Junction Bhimavaram Town

These stops ensure connectivity for major cities and towns across Andhra Pradesh.

Narasapur–Chennai Vande Bharat timetable

Train No. 20677 (Chennai → Narasapur) Departs Dr MGR Chennai Central at 05:30 hrs Arrives at Narasapur at 14:10 hrs Train No. 20678 (Narasapur → Chennai) Departs Narasapur at 14:50 hrs Reaches Dr MGR Chennai Central at 23:45 hrs

Why this Vande Bharat train matters

The introduction of the Narasapur–Chennai Vande Bharat Express is expected to benefit daily commuters, business travellers and tourists by offering shorter travel time, improved comfort and reliable scheduling, strengthening rail links between coastal Andhra Pradesh and Chennai.