Prime Minister Narendra Modi on January 17 flagged off India’s first Vande Bharat Sleeper trains from Howrah. The launches were billed as the start of a new era in sleeper train travel. Building on that, Indian Railways is planning to manufacture a 24-coach Vande Bharat sleeper train to significantly boost passenger capacity and onboard facilities. According to an Indian Express report, the new rake is planned to be manufactured by Chennai’s Integral Coach Factory (ICF), under the Make In India programme, following the launch of the 16-coach Vande Bharat sleeper service.
Railway officials told IE that the project is at the design stage and the prototype is targeted to be ready by the end of 2026. The initiative has come soon after India’s first Vande Bharat sleeper services were flagged off, one operating from Howrah-Guwahati and another one from Kamakhya-Howrah.
Key changes in 24-coach Vande Bharat sleeper
As per officials, the planned 24-coach configuration will be inclusive of 17 Third AC, five Second AC, one First AC and one AC pantry car. The total passenger capacity is projected to be 1,224. In comparison, the existing 16-coach sleeper rake has 823 berths with 11 Third AC, four Second AC and one First AC. That makes an addition of 401 berths, or near about 49% more seats/berths.
Railways have also planned mini-pantry spaces and linen storage areas across coaches to boost service delivery. Proposed passenger amenities feature ergonomically designed berths, mobile/laptop charging points, more space for luggage, upgraded interiors, vacuum-assisted toilets, reading lights, and Wi-Fi-enabled passenger information and infotainment systems. Special provisions for Divyangjan passengers, like ramps and accessible toilets, are also part of the design.
Vande Bharat Sleeper fares
Officials said that the indicative passenger tariff for Vande Bharat sleeper travel is Rs 2.4 per km (Third (AC), Rs 3.1 per km (Second AC) and Rs 3.8 km (First AC). For journeys up to 400 km, the minimum fare is likely to be Rs 960 (Third AC), Rs 1,240 (Second AC) and Rs 1,520 (First AC) along with GST, as reported by Indian Express.
Meanwhile, non-vegetarian options are expected to be added soon for the Howrah-Kamakhya Vande Bharat sleeper after some passengers raised concerns that only vegetarian food was being served. An Eastern Railway official stated to PTI that non-veg items could be introduced within a week. The Railways also mentioned that the menu will also include Assamese flavours as well as West Bengal’s local cuisine.