Prime Minister Narendra Modi today, January 17, 2026, officially flagged off India's inaugural Vande Bharat sleeper train, marking a significant milestone in modernizing the country's railway system. The much-anticipated service will connect Howrah Junction in West Bengal with Kamakhya Junction near Guwahati in Assam, enhancing connectivity across the crucial East-Northeast corridor. The launch event took place from Malda Town in West Bengal. Designed for comfortable overnight travel, the fully air-conditioned train comprises 16 coaches, including one AC First Class, four AC Two-tier, and eleven AC Three-tier compartments, offering a total capacity of approximately 823 passengers. It aims to provide an 'airline-like travel experience at economical fares,' making long-distance journeys faster, safer, and more convenient. The train is equipped with advanced features such as ergonomically designed berths, superior suspension for reduced vibrations, automatic doors, noise reduction technology, and India's indigenous KAVACH anti-collision system, prioritizing passenger safety. This new Vande Bharat sleeper service is expected to drastically cut travel time on the Howrah-Guwahati route from around 17 hours by existing services like the Saraighat Express to approximately 14 hours. Regular passenger operations for the Howrah-Kamakhya Vande Bharat Sleeper (Train No. 27575/27576) are scheduled to commence on January 18, 2026, operating six days a week, with specific days of non-operation for each direction. Indicative fares for the Howrah-Kamakhya journey are approximately ₹2,300 for 3 AC, ₹3,000 for 2 AC, and ₹3,600 for First AC, positioning it as a premium yet accessible option. The train will make 13 intermediate stops, connecting key towns and cities across West Bengal and Assam.