Vande Bharat Sleeper Ticketing System: Indian Railways is gearing up to kick off a new chapter in long-distance travel. After launching the Vande Bharat Express trains, the Vande Bharat Sleeper trains are set to hit the tracks soon. The Railway Board has shared updates regarding the ticketing system and fare structure for these sleeper trains. The pricing and ticketing approach are quite different from other trains currently operating in the country.
This is the standout feature of this train. There will be no RAC, no waiting lists, and no partially confirmed tickets. The Railways has made it clear that only fully confirmed tickets will be available for this train. This means that when you book, you’ll know for sure if a seat is available. This will help passengers plan their journeys better and eliminate last-minute surprises. Let’s see what the ticketing system will look like.
What’s the ticketing system for Vande Bharat Sleeper?
Under the new railway regulations, all berths on the Vande Bharat Sleeper will be available for booking as soon as the advance reservation period starts. There won’t be any categories like RAC, waiting lists, or partially confirmed tickets. In simple terms, you’ll either get a fully confirmed ticket or none at all. This means the old system of waiting for the train chart to be made won’t apply here.
This change will ease the worries of passengers who often deal with uncertainty due to waitlisted tickets. On the flip side, it might be a bit tough for those trying to snag tickets at the last minute. Nevertheless, the Railways is confident that this will enhance crowd management and make train travel more pleasant and convenient.
What will the fares be like?
Fares for the Vande Bharat Sleeper are calculated on a per-kilometer basis, with a minimum chargeable distance of 400 kilometers, even if your journey is shorter. The base rates are around Rs 2.4 per kilometer for 3AC, Rs 3.1 per kilometer for 2AC, and Rs 3.8 per kilometer for 1AC, with GST added separately.
For example, for a 400-kilometer journey, the fare for 3AC will be approximately Rs 960, for 2AC Rs 1240, and for 1AC Rs 1520. Fares will increase as the distance increases. Railway officials say these fares are higher than many existing night trains, but they are set to reflect premium service, faster travel, and upgraded comfort.