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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.
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.
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.
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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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.
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.
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
| 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
| 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 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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