The upcoming Vande Bharat Sleeper train will connect Delhi and Howrah in under 15 hours, offering modern amenities, high speeds and comfortable overnight travel.
Published: October 22, 2026, 11:05 PM IST
Share Article
https://www.india.com/news/india/delhi-howrah-vande-bharat-sleeper-set-to-cover-gayaji-prayagraj-and-dhanbad-check-expected-timings-and-route-details-8538310/
Vande Bharat Express
Delhi-Howrah Vande Bharat Sleeper train: Indian Railways is preparing to launch its all-new Vande Bharat Sleeper train, designed to make long-distance travel faster and significantly more comfortableFollowing the massive success of the daytime chair-car Vande Bharat Express, this new sleeper variant is tailored specifically for overnight journeysSet to run on the high-demand Delhi-Howrah route connecting the national capital with Kolkata, it offers a premium alternative alongside established trains like the Rajdhani Express, Duronto Express, Poorva Express and Netaji Express.
Delhi-Howrah Vande Bharat Sleeper train: Key details
| Feature | Details |
| Route | New Delhi to Howrah (and return) |
| Distance Covered | ~1,449 km |
| Travel Time | Under 15 hours |
| Top Speed | 160-180 km/h |
| Total Coaches | 16 (11 AC 3-Tier, 4 AC 2-Tier, 1 First AC) |
| Coach Manufacturer | BEML (utilizing ICF technology) |
| Expected Timings | Departure: 5:00 PM |
| Expected Launch | Late 2025 |
Delhi-Howrah Vande Bharat Sleeper train: Top speed
The Vande Bharat Sleeper Express is set to cover the approximately 1,449 km distance in less than 15 hours, making it notably faster than most existing options on this corridorDesigned to operate at top speeds of 160 to 180 km/h, it will claim the title of the fastest train operating between Delhi and Howrah once operations begin, a report by the News 18 said.
Delhi-Howrah Vande Bharat Sleeper train: Major halts & route stoppages
To serve key regions across northern and eastern India, the train will stop at major cities and junctions aligned with traditional routes like the Rajdhani ExpressKey stoppages include:
- Kanpur Central
- Prayagraj Junction
- DD Upadhyaya Junction
- Gaya Junction
- Dhanbad Junction
- Asansol Junction
Delhi-Howrah Vande Bharat Sleeper train Expected Fares
Manufactured by Bharat Earth Movers Ltd (BEML) using Integral Coach Factory (ICF) technology, the 16-coach rake is structured into three travel classes:
- AC 3-Tier (11 Coaches): Budget-friendly sleeper option (~₹3,000)
- AC 2-Tier (4 Coaches): Enhanced space and privacy (~₹4,000)
- First AC (1 Coach): Premium comfort (~₹5,100)
Expected Schedule & Launch Timeline
Preliminary estimates indicate the train will depart New Delhi at 5:00 PM and arrive in Howrah at 8:00 AM the following morningThe return journey from Howrah is anticipated to follow a matching schedule (5:00 PM to 8:00 AM)While Indian Railways has yet to announce an official launch date, service is expected to commence in late 2025.
