With 12 Vande Bharat Sleeper trains planned for 2026, more routes will be added soon, including special focus on Andhra Pradesh and Telangana.
First Route and Flag-Off: The first Vande Bharat Sleeper train will soon run between Howrah in Kolkata and Kamakhya in Guwahati. Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw said PM Narendra Modi will flag off the train on January 17 or 18.Ticket Prices for the Journey: The Howrah–Kamakhya route covers around 1,000 kilometres. For a one-way journey, the ticket price is set at Rs 2,300 for 3AC, Rs 3,000 for 2AC, and Rs 3,600 for 1AC. These fares include meals, while GST will be charged separately.Classes and Base Fares: The Vande Bharat Sleeper Express will have only AC classes—1AC, 2AC, and 3AC. The minimum chargeable distance is 400 kilometres. For this distance, fares start at Rs 960 for 3AC, Rs 1,240 for 2AC, and Rs 1,520 for 1AC. The fare structure has been designed to remain affordable for middle-class travellers.No Waiting List Rule: One important rule sets these trains apart. Tickets will be issued only if they are fully confirmed. There will be no waiting list, no RAC, and no partial confirmations, ensuring a crowd-free and comfortable journey similar to premium Rajdhani trains, but at lower prices.Booking and Quota Rules: All berths will be available for booking from the first day of the advance reservation period. Only limited quotas such as ladies, senior citizens, persons with disabilities, and duty pass will apply. This approach keeps the booking process simple and transparent.Refunds, Comfort and Future Plans: To ensure quicker refunds, the Railways will prioritise digital payments, with refunds processed within 24 hours. Lower berths will be automatically allotted, subject to availability, to senior citizens, women above 45, and children.
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Indian Railways is all set to change the way India travels overnight with the launch of the Vande Bharat Sleeper Express. These new trains are built for high speed, modern comfort, and better safety, promising smoother and more comfortable night journeys.
