The first commercial run of the Vande Bharat Sleeper train, Train No. 27576, operating between Kamakhya Railway Station and Howrah Junction, has seen all seats booked within hours of ticket reservations opening, according to railway officials.
The ticket booking window for the service opened on 19 January 2026 at 08:00 hours through the Passenger Reservation System (PRS) and other authorised platforms. Railway officials said that within less than 24 hours, tickets across all classes were sold out.
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The train is scheduled to begin its first commercial journey from Kamakhya on 22 January 2026 and from Howrah on 23 January 2026. The service was inaugurated by the Prime Minister on 17 January 2026.
Officials said the strong response to the inaugural commercial run indicates passenger interest in newer train services offering upgraded facilities and reduced travel time. The Kamakhya–Howrah Vande Bharat Sleeper is expected to improve rail connectivity between the Northeast and eastern India, particularly for overnight travel.
According to the railways, the rapid sell-out reflects passenger confidence in modern train services introduced by Northeast Frontier Railway, as the region continues to see the introduction of premium rail services.
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