India’s first Vande Bharat Sleeper Train has officially been launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modimarking a major leap in India’s long-distance rail travel segment. For the first time, the Vande Bharat platform is being extended from fast daytime chair-car services to modern overnight sleeper travel, enabling faster travel over long corridors with upgraded comfort and design.
A New Category in Indian Rail Travel
Until now, Vande Bharat trains ran mainly as semi-high-speed seated services. The Sleeper variant introduces 1AC, 2AC, and 3AC sleeper berthsmaking it suitable for journeys exceeding 12 hours. It retains a design speed of up to 180 kmph, although operational speeds depend on route readiness and signalling upgrades.
Five Stunning Features That Make It Stand Out
1. First Sleeper Variant in the Vande Bharat Lineup
This is the first sleeper-style Vande Bharat train in the country, allowing India to compete with modern international overnight rail standards. It is expected to eventually replace older Rajdhani-style stock on major trunk routes.
2. Upgraded Comfort and Amenities
The coaches feature redesigned berths with improved cushioning and suspension, automatic plug-style doorssilent gangways, bio-vacuum toilets, reading lights, ambient lighting, and better thermal insulation. The focus shifts from basic overnight accommodation to enhanced passenger experience.
3. Regional Food Onboard
Passengers enjoy regional cuisine tailored to the corridor. On the inaugural Howrah–Kamakhya sector, Assamese and Bengali dishes are served depending on direction, reflecting the cultural context of the regions the train connects.
4. Enhanced Safety and Technology
The train integrates advanced braking, CCTV, better onboard diagnostics, and is compatible with KavachIndia’s automatic train protection system. This ensures safer and more reliable high-speed overnight operations.
5. Faster Overnight Connectivity to the Northeast
The first service between Howrah (Kolkata) and Kamakhya (Guwahati) reduces travel time when compared with legacy expresses and reinforces a key passenger and strategic corridor linking East and Northeast India.
Ticket Fares Explained
The Vande Bharat Sleeper has been priced higher than conventional sleepers but below premium air travel. Current fares are approximately:
- 3AC: around ₹2,200
- 2AC: around ₹3,200
- 1AC: around ₹4,200
These fares vary by sector and are expected to be adjusted as more sleeper routes are introduced across the country.
Conclusion
The Vande Bharat Sleeper Train represents a significant evolution in India’s long-distance passenger rail ecosystem. By marrying speed, overnight comfort, and modern amenities, it sets the template for the next generation of sleeper travel. As additional corridors get upgraded, the Sleeper variant could gradually become the default option for long overnight routes, offering passengers a faster and more refined alternative to traditional express trains.
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