Bhubaneswar to New Delhi in 17 hours! All about Sealdah-New Delhi Vande Bharat Sleeper Train

Indian Railways is on the cusp of a transformative era with the rollout of the new Vande Bharat Sleeper Trains. Titagarh Rail Systems Limited (TRSL) and Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited (BHEL) have been awarded a monumental contract worth Rs 24,000 crore to manufacture and maintain 80 such trains.

Part of the ‘Make in India’ initiative, the sleeper trains will feature India's first fully indigenous semi-high-speed, long-distance design, offering enhanced overnight travel with smart amenities, energy-efficient operations, and advanced safety measures.

A dedicated production line inaugurated at TRSL's Uttarpara facility in West Bengal has begun the production process, with prototypes expected soon.

Sealdah-New Delhi Vande Bharat Sleeper: A Glimpse Into the Future

Meanwhile, Indian Railways has planned to introduce the Sealdah to New Delhi Vande Bharat Sleeper Train. Covering a distance of 1455 km in just 15 hours, the train will surpass the performance of current premium services like Rajdhani and Duronto Express.

Further, the Sealdah-New Delhi Sleeper will feature 16 coaches, including 11 AC 3-tier, 4 AC 2-tier, and 1 First Class AC coach. Estimated fares range from Rs 3200 for AC 3-tier to Rs 5300 for First Class AC. Scheduled to depart at 4 PM from both terminals and arrive by 7 AM the following day, the service aims to redefine overnight rail travel in India.

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Could Bhubaneswar Be Next?

With around 80 Vande Bharat Sleeper trains slated to be built in neighbouring West Bengal, the logistical feasibility of deploying one on the Bhubaneswar-New Delhi route becomes stronger, aligning seamlessly with Indian Railways' broader Vande Bharat expansion ambitions.

The current rail journey from Bhubaneswar to New Delhi, spanning roughly 1730 kilometres, currently takes anywhere between 24 to 30 hours, depending on the specific train and halts. 

These trains operate at average speeds ranging from 58 to 72 kmph and typically include AC 3-tier, AC 2-tier, and sleeper class coaches.

If a Vande Bharat Sleeper service were introduced on this corridor, travel time could potentially be reduced to around 17 hours, assuming an average speed of approximately 102 kmph and limited major stoppages. The train would likely feature a premium composition similar to the Sealdah-New Delhi variant, comprising AC 3-tier, AC 2-tier, and First Class AC coaches. 

The primary beneficiaries would remain the same: students, professionals, and tourists, but the inclusion of business travellers could increase, thanks to the speed and overnight convenience. Frequency could match the existing daily schedule of major trains if demand is substantiated.

While there is no official announcement yet regarding a Bhubaneswar-New Delhi Vande Bharat Sleeper, the groundwork laid by projects like the Sealdah-New Delhi service suggests a promising future.

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With infrastructure, manufacturing capability, and demand aligning perfectly, it is perhaps only a matter of time before Odisha joins the high-speed rail revolution sweeping across India.