Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw on Saturday offered a rare inside look at India’s much-awaited Vande Bharat sleeper train, sharing details of its interiors and passenger-focused upgrades as he walked through the coaches at New Delhi Railway Station.
In a video posted on his X handle, Vaishnaw said that the sleeper version of the Vande Bharat will now be the new preferred next generation transport option for middle to low income families across India.
Inside Vande Bharat Sleeper trains: New Features
Talking about the features of the newly designed next generation Vande Bharat sleeper trains, Vaishnaw said that the train has been designed with a clear focus on comfort, accessibility and modern amenities.
“The seats, pantry, suspensions, kavach and even the toilet all have been redesigned to minimise waste generated during the operation of trains in India. We have even installed berths for train staff and added CCTV cameras inside trains to improve the security standards for passengers.” he added.
According to the minister, “utmost care” has been taken to upgrade everyday passenger touchpoints. Each coach features spacious tray holders, adjustable window blinds, dedicated reading lights, hangers, magazine holders and deep wash sinks designed to prevent water from splashing out.
Vande Bharat Sleeper Train: Operation date and ticket price
Following the successful trials, Vaishnaw announced on January 1 that the train would be officially launched on the Kolkata–Guwahati sector. “One train will be shifted to Guwahati while the other will go to Kolkata for the flagging-off ceremony,” railway officials told PTI during media interaction at the event.
Officials stated that comprehensive technical evaluations were carried out, including assessments of ride stability, oscillation, vibration behaviour, braking performance, emergency braking systems, safety systems, and other critical parameters.
“In the Vande Bharat sleeper, the 3 AC fare will be around Rs 2,300, 2 AC around Rs 3,000, and 1 AC around Rs 3,600, including food. The fares have been designed keeping the middle class in mind,” the minister had said on January 1, 2025.
The train comprises 11 coaches of 3 AC, four coaches of 2 AC, and one coach of 1 AC. Of the total 823 berths, 611 are in 3 AC, 188 in 2 AC, and 24 in 1 AC.
(with inputs from PTI)
