First Vande Bharat sleeper express to connect Delhi and Patna by Sept end
THE Indian Railways is set to roll out the country’s much-awaited Vande Bharat Sleeper Express just ahead of Diwali, with some reports suggesting the debut date is likely to be the end of September.
Unlike the existing Vande Bharat Express trains, which primarily offer chair-car services suited for daytime or short journeys, the new model has been designed specifically for overnight trips, reported CNBC.
Route and schedule
The premium train will connect Delhi and Patna via Prayagraj, with a projected travel time of just 11.5 hours, down from the usual 12–17 hours, while offering passengers flight-like comfort at train-level fares.
The Vande Bharat Sleeper Express will run at a maximum speed of 180 km/h, significantly faster than the Rajdhani Express, which takes about 23 hours on the same route.
According to the report, the train is expected to depart Patna at 8 pm and arrive in Delhi by 7.30 am the following day. The return journey from Delhi will follow a similar overnight schedule.
Features and design of Vande Bharat Sleeper Express
Each Vande Bharat Sleeper Express coach has been manufactured using advanced Integral Coach Factory (ICF) technology by Bharat Earth Movers Limited (BEML).
The train is equipped with a range of modern features, including CCTV cameras, LED screens for information and entertainment, automatic doors with sensors, modern fire safety systems, and onboard announcement facilities.
The interiors feature an aircraft-inspired design, aimed at offering passengers a premium travel experience, the report added.
Price of tickets
The ticket fares are expected to be 10–15% higher than those of the Rajdhani Express on the same route. However, officials justified the fare difference by citing shorter journey times and upgraded amenities.
While more expensive than other trains, the Vande Bharat Sleeper Express is expected to offer passengers on this route a cheaper alternative to air travel.
What does it mean for travellers?
The Delhi–Patna route is among the busiest in the country, especially during festive seasons when millions of people travel between the capital and Bihar. The new Vande Bharat Sleeper Express is expected to ease this congestion and provide a faster travel alternative to passengers.
The original Vande Bharat Express, launched in 2019 by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, currently operates on seven routes across the country.
With the introduction of the sleeper variant, the Indian Railways aims to expand the service, especially on long-distance routes. More sleeper variants and upgraded models are already in the pipeline, marking a major transformation in train travel across India.
