There is good news for Indian Railways passengers. The country’s first Vande Bharat Sleeper train will soon start operations.
This train will be faster than existing trains and will offer a completely new travel experience with improved rules and modern facilities. Most importantly, it will completely remove problems like RAC and waiting lists.
According to reports, Prime Minister Narendra Modi is expected to flag off the first Vande Bharat Sleeper train on January 17. This launch will mark a new beginning for overnight train travel in India.
Only Confirmed Tickets, No RAC or Waiting List
The biggest change in the Vande Bharat Sleeper train is its ticket booking system. Passengers will either get a confirmed ticket or no ticket at all. There will be no RAC and no waiting list on this train.
This means passengers will no longer have to share berths, sit on half seats, or wait until the last moment for ticket confirmation.
The Railways believes this rule will ensure a confirmed berth for every passenger, making overnight journeys more comfortable and stress-free, especially on long routes.
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New Minimum Fare Rule Introduced
A new fare system has also been introduced for this train. Even if a passenger travels a short distance, they will have to pay a minimum fare equivalent to 400 kilometers.
Separate fares have been fixed for 3AC, 2AC, and 1AC classes for journeys up to 400 km. GST will be charged separately,
and ticket prices will increase as the travel distance increases. According to Railways, this rule ensures better service quality and guaranteed confirmed berths.
High Speed with Strong Focus on Safety
The Vande Bharat Sleeper train has a design speed of up to 180 kmph. However, for safety reasons, it will operate at a maximum speed of 130 kmph.
Even at this speed, the train can reduce travel time by around three hours compared to Rajdhani trains. Along with speed, the train is equipped with modern safety systems, ensuring a faster and safer journey.
Designed for Comfortable Night Travel
This train has been specially designed for overnight journeys. Passengers will enjoy well-cushioned berths, low noise levels, and a smooth ride.
It also includes advanced features such as automatic doors, an advanced suspension system, armor protection technology, and an emergency talk-back system. Overall, the train offers a premium and comfortable travel experience.
First Route: Howrah to Guwahati
The first Vande Bharat Sleeper train will run on the Howrah–Guwahati route. It will pass through several districts of West Bengal and Assam.
The train will have 16 coaches, including multiple classes with a total of 1,128 berths. This route is expected to greatly improve connectivity, especially for Northeast India.
Slightly Costlier Than Rajdhani, but More Convenient
The Vande Bharat Sleeper train may be slightly more expensive than Rajdhani trains, but it offers better speed, modern facilities, and guaranteed confirmed berths.
For passengers looking for hassle-free travel without RAC or waiting lists, this train could be an excellent option.
