Vande Bharat Sleeper Train: The Indian Railways is reportedly set to introduce the country’s first Vande Bharat Sleeper Express, offering passengers a more comfortable travel experience. The train is expected to connect New Delhi and Patna via Prayagraj in just 11.5 hours, significantly reducing the usual travel time of 12 to 17 hours. The service is reportedly scheduled to begin ahead of Diwali 2025, CNBC reported.

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Other reports suggest similar Vande Bharat Sleeper trains could operate on multiple routes, including Delhi to Ahmedabad and Bhopal, expanding the reach of India’s high-speed rail network.

Faster, Comfortable Overnight Travel

The New Delhi–Patna route is among the busiest in the country, especially during the festive season, when thousands travel between the national capital and the states of Bihar and Uttar Pradesh. The Vande Bharat Sleeper Express aims to ease congestion, provide a faster travel option, and enhance connectivity across the region.

All you need to know about the Vande Bharat Sleeper Express:

  1. “The train will likely leave Patna at 8 pm and reach New Delhi by 7.30 am the next day, cutting the usual travel time of 12 to 17 hours between the two cities to just 11.5 hours.”
  2. “The train, expected to commence services ahead of Diwali 2025, will offer fares which are projected to be 10–15 per cent higher than the Rajdhani Express,” the report said.
  3. The new sleeper model of the Vande Bharat Express will run at a maximum speed of 180 km per hour and comprise berths instead of the usual chair-car service, offering a more comfortable overnight commute.

Modern Features and Premium Experience

Equipped with CCTV cameras, LED screens for infotainment, automatic doors with sensors for safe boarding, modern fire safety systems, and on-board announcement facilities, the train has been manufactured using advanced Integral Coach Factory (ICF) technology by Bharat Earth Movers Limited (BEML). The interiors have been designed with an aircraft-style finish, giving passengers a premium travel experience.

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With the introduction of the sleeper version, the government aims to expand the reach of Vande Bharat services, particularly for long-distance routes where overnight travel is common, making high-speed rail more accessible and comfortable for millions of passengers.