First Vande Bharat sleeper train to run between Delhi-Patna: Check launch date, route, fare, other details
This high-end train will link Delhi and Patna, going through Prayagraj. It will cut down the travel time to about 11.5 hours, which is much shorter than the usual 12 to 17 hours. It promises the comfort of a flight but with lower prices like regular trains.
New Delhi: Indian Railways is set to launch the first-ever Vande Bharat Sleeper Express just before Diwali. Some reports say the train might start running by the end of September. This new train is different from the current Vande Bharat Express, which only has chair cars for short or daytime journeys. The new version is made for overnight travel, as shared by CNBC.
Train route, timings
This high-end train will link Delhi and Patna, going through Prayagraj. It will cut down the travel time to about 11.5 hours, which is much shorter than the usual 12 to 17 hours. It promises the comfort of a flight but with lower prices like regular trains.
The train can run at speeds of up to 180 km/h, which is much faster than the Rajdhani Express, which takes around 23 hours on the same route. As per the report, the train will leave Patna at 8 PM and reach Delhi by 7:30 AM the next day. The return trip will follow a similar overnight timing.
Features, design of sleeper Vande Bharat
The coaches of this train are made by Bharat Earth Movers Limited (BEML) using Integral Coach Factory (ICF) technology. The train will have many new features like CCTV cameras, LED screens for travel info and entertainment, sensor-based automatic doors, fire safety systems, and announcements onboard.
Inside the train, the design is made to feel like you’re in an airplane, aiming to give travelers a better experience.
Ticket prices
The tickets for the Vande Bharat Sleeper Express will be about 10 to 15% more expensive than Rajdhani Express tickets on the same route. Railway officials say this price increase is fair because the train offers faster travel and better services.
Even though it costs more than regular trains, this new sleeper train will still be cheaper than flights, making it a good option for many passengers.
Boon for Delhi-Patna for passengers
The train route between Delhi and Patna is one of the busiest in India. During festivals, a large number of people travel between the capital and Bihar. This new sleeper train is expected to help reduce the rush and give people a faster and more comfortable option.
The original Vande Bharat Express, launched in 2019 by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, now runs on seven routes across India.
With this new sleeper version, Indian Railways is planning to expand Vande Bharat services to more long-distance routes. More sleeper trains and advanced versions are already being developed, showing a big change in how people will travel by train in the future.