Vande Bharat Sleeper trains to hit tracks; know features, booking process and ticket fare

Indian Railways is all set to roll out the country’s first Vande Bharat Sleeper Train on the Kolkata–Guwahati route, promising a hassle-free travel experience for long-distance passengers.

In a major departure from the existing booking system, the premium sleeper service will operate without Reservation Against Cancellation (RAC) or waiting lists, ensuring that passengers receive only confirmed tickets.

Adding to the reform, the Railways has also done away with the officers’ quota, making all berths available for public booking from the very first day of the advance reservation period.

Ticket fares unveiled

The ticket fares have been announced ahead of the launch of the Vande Bharat Sleeper Train. The 16-coach train will have a total capacity of around 823 passengers with Third AC, Second AC, and First Class AC coaches.

The Railways has set a minimum chargeable distance of 400 km for fare calculation, meaning passengers will be billed for at least 400 km even if they travel a shorter stretch. The fare per kilometre is Rs2.40 for Third AC, Rs3.10 for Second AC, and Rs3.80 for First Class AC.

According to the fare structure, the minimum fare will be Rs960 in Third AC, Rs1,240 in Second AC, and Rs1,520 in First Class AC. In addition, passengers will also have to pay an additional 5 percent GST.

High-Speed Sleeper Train Gets Modern Upgrade

Built on indigenous Indian Railways technology, the Vande Bharat Sleeper Train is engineered to run at a top speed of 180 kmph. Passenger safety has been prioritised with the deployment of the advanced Kavach collision avoidance system, along with round-the-clock CCTV surveillance. The train also offers comfortable berths, automatic sliding doors, and enhanced cleanliness standards, promising a safer, smoother, and more comfortable overnight travel experience.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is likely to inaugurate the Guwahati–Kolkata Vande Bharat Sleeper Train on the 17th. Indian Railways plans to make eight Vande Bharat sleeper trains operational within the next six months, while setting an ambitious target of manufacturing 12 new sleeper variants by the end of 2026.