First Sleeper Vande Bharat to Run on This Route – Check Fare and Timings

Indian Railways is constantly improving passenger services. One of the most awaited additions, the Vande Bharat Sleeper, is finally set to begin soon. Though it hasn’t started running on any route yet, preparations are in full swing.

The first Vande Bharat Sleeper train will run on the Delhi–Howrah route, joining two other premium trains – Rajdhani Express and Duronto Express – already operating on this route. However, the exact launch date hasn’t been officially announced yet.

Fastest Train on the Route – Speed Up to 160 kmph

The new sleeper train has been developed using advanced technology from BEML and Integral Coach Factory (ICF). It was unveiled by Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw in September 2024.

The train will cover the 1449 km journey from Delhi to Howrah in under 15 hours, making it faster than Rajdhani and Duronto, which take around 17 and 17.4 hours respectively.

With a top speed of 160 kmph, Vande Bharat Sleeper will be the fastest train on this route.

Major Stops Between Delhi and Howrah

As per TOI, the train will stop at several important stations, including:

Kanpur Central

Prayagraj Junction

DD Upadhyay Junction

Gaya Junction

Dhanbad Junction

Asansol Junction
These stops will benefit a large number of passengers along the route.

Coach Composition and Fare Details

The Vande Bharat Sleeper will have a total of 16 coaches:

11 AC 3-tier coaches

4 AC 2-tier coaches

1 First Class AC coach

Expected ticket prices:

AC 3-tier: ₹3000

AC 2-tier: ₹4000

First Class AC: ₹5100

This pricing offers a mix of comfort and speed for passengers.

Train Timings – Night Journey, Morning Arrival

From New Delhi, the Vande Bharat Sleeper will depart at 5 PM and reach Howrah Junction at 8 AM the next day.

The return trip from Howrah will follow the same schedule – departing at 5 PM, and arriving in New Delhi by 8 AM.

These overnight timings are convenient for travelers, letting them sleep during the journey and reach fresh in the morning.

Comparison With Rajdhani and Duronto Fares

Here’s how Vande Bharat Sleeper fares compare:

So, Vande Bharat Sleeper is expected to be slightly cheaper than both Rajdhani and Duronto, while offering a faster and modern travel experience.