Indian Railways is all set to introduce the Vande Bharat Sleeper Train, following the success of the Vande Bharat chair car trains. The first sleeper train of this series is ready, with Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw revealing the first look on September 1, 2024. This new development is expected to be a significant leap in providing faster and more comfortable travel options across India. The train is set to undergo trials in the next 10 days, and within the next three months, it will be available for public travel.
First Vande Bharat Sleeper Train to Run Between Patna and Delhi
The first Vande Bharat sleeper train will operate between Patna and Delhi, a significant development for passengers in Bihar. This train will run at a speed of 160 km/h and will cover the journey in 8 hours, significantly reducing travel time. The stops for this route have yet to be confirmed.
Features and Capacity
Compared to the Vande Bharat chair car, the sleeper version will have more seating capacity. While the chair car Vande Bharat has 8 coaches and 530 seats, the sleeper variant will have 16 coaches and accommodate 823 berths. This makes the sleeper train a more viable option for long-distance, overnight journeys.
Ticket Pricing
Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw has indicated that the sleeper train is designed with the middle-class traveler in mind. The fare for the Vande Bharat sleeper is expected to be comparable to that of the Rajdhani Express, making it an affordable and attractive option for overnight travel. Initially, the train will cover distances between 800 to 1200 km.
Expected Launch Timeline
The Vande Bharat sleeper train is expected to be fully operational by December 2024. The trial runs will be conducted over the next two months, after which the train will be available for passengers. The coach construction is already complete, and the next phase is focused on ensuring the train’s performance and safety during the trial period.
Route and Key Stops:
The exact stops have not been officially confirmed yet, but based on the current route structure of trains running between Patna and Delhi, the following key stops are expected:
- Patna Junction
- Mughalsarai Junction
- Allahabad Junction
- Kanpur Central
- Ghaziabad Junction
- New Delhi
Key Features:
- Total Distance: 990 km (Approximate distance between Patna and Delhi)
- Travel Time: 8 hours
- Coaches: 16 Sleeper Coaches
- Berths: 823 berths in the train
- Speed: 160 km/h
- Launch Date: Expected by December 2024
- Operation Days: To be confirmed, likely daily except maintenance days
Fare Details:
As the fare structure is expected to be similar to the Rajdhani Express, below is an indicative table based on current Rajdhani fares:
| Class | Fare (Approx) | Amenities |
|---|---|---|
| Sleeper Class | ₹1,500 – ₹1,800 | Berth, Bedding, AC, Food Service |
| 3rd AC | ₹2,000 – ₹2,500 | Bedding, Meals, AC |
| 2nd AC | ₹3,000 – ₹3,500 | Enhanced Bedding, Meals, AC |
| 1st AC | ₹4,000 – ₹4,500 | Private Cabins, Meals, AC |
