The country’s first Vande Bharat Sleeper train is set to hit the railway tracks next week, offering a completely new experience to Indian Railways passengers. The train will be fast, comfortable and unique in its rules. The Vande Bharat Sleeper train will eliminate the hassle of waiting, meaning travel will be possible only with confirmed tickets.

Till now, RAC in most long-distance trains meant two passengers travelling in a berth, but this rule will not apply to the Vande Bharat Sleeper. According to the Railway Board, only available berths will be sold as soon as bookings open. This will give passengers a clear indication of whether their seats are guaranteed or not.

Fare is a bit high, but a convenient premium

The fare of the Vande Bharat Sleeper is slightly higher than that of regular trains. The fare for 3AC is around Rs 2.40 per km. The fare for 2AC is Rs 3.10 per km and the fare for 1AC is Rs 3.80 per km. Also, GST is applicable for AC class.

First route
This sleeper train will start operating on the Howrah-Guwahati route, which will be inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. This train will complete the journey in about three hours less than the existing express trains. It will be an overnight train, which will run at night and reach its destination in the morning.

A new experience of comfort and safety

The Vande Bharat Sleeper is designed for exceptional comfort and safety. It has well-structured berths, automatic doors, low-noise suspension, a modern driver cabin and an aerodynamic body. It will also have a protective armor system, emergency talk-back facility and advanced sanitation technology. Overall, this train is a great choice for passengers who want to travel in comfort, save time and travel without sharing seats.

Rules for travelling on the Vande Bharat Sleeper Train

There will be no RAC or waiting list on the Vande Bharat Sleeper Train.
This means, either a confirmed ticket or no ticket.
The hassle of sharing a half berth or berth will be completely eliminated.
The minimum fare is equivalent to 400 kilometers, even if the distance is less, a minimum fare of 400 kilometers will have to be paid.

This decision has been taken to provide passengers with a confirmed berth and improved amenities.

Fare (up to 400 km):

  • 3AC – Rs960
  • 2AC – Rs1240
  • 1AC – Rs1240
  • GST will be charged separately

How much distance, how much fare (1000 km)

  • 3AC – Rs2400
  • 2AC – Rs3100
  • 1AC – Rs3800

Fare per 2000 km

  • 3AC – Rs4800
  • 2AC – Rs6200
  • 1AC – Rs7600

Fare per 3000 km

  1. 3AC – Rs7200
  2. 2AC – Rs9300
  3. 1AC – Rs11,400

Fast, safe travel

  • Train capacity: 180 km/h
  • But for safety reasons, it will run at a speed of 130 km/h.
  • The travel time is about 3 hours less than the capital.

Luxurious experience

This overnight train will provide passengers with a new luxurious experience. It will operate at night and reach the destination in the morning, saving time and making the journey comfortable. The train will have well-furnished berths, low noise levels and a modern suspension system, which will make the entire journey smooth and fatigue-free. There will be automatic doors, advanced technology and armour protection system.

The Vande Bharat Sleeper train has 16 coaches

On its way from Howrah to Guwahati, the first train will travel through the different districts of both states (West Bengal and Assam). It is expected to start service soon and be formally authorised by PM Modi.

There will be sixteen (16) cars on the train, with eleven (11) of those being 3rd AC class, four (4) being 2nd AC class, and one (1) being 1st AC class. Ticket prices will be somewhat higher than the Rajdhani Express, but with better amenities, comfortable speeds, and fully reserved seating.