India's First Vande Bharat Sleeper Train May Launch Before Diwali

New Delhi, September 9, 2025 — Indian Railways is expected to launch the country’s first Vande Bharat Sleeper Train ahead of Diwali. According to media reports, the first Vande Bharat Sleeper Train is likely to be introduced between Delhi and Patna before the announcement of the Bihar Assembly elections.

As per reports, the first service will run between Delhi and Patna via Prayagraj, cutting travel time to about 11.5 hours instead of the usual 12-17 hours. The Rajdhani Express on the same route takes nearly 23 hours. 

However, no official date has been confirmed yet, and the exact start of operations remains unknown.

After the Delhi-Patna service, the Vande Bharat Sleeper Train is also expected to run on routes between Delhi-Ahmedabad and Delhi-Bhopal. Although the route for the Delhi-Ahmedabad service has not yet been finalised, it is believed the train might go via Jaipur. If this happens, Rajasthan will receive its seventh Vande Bharat train, providing improved connectivity not only between Delhi and Ahmedabad but also significant convenience for travellers from Jaipur and surrounding regions.

The Vande Bharat Sleeper service is part of a plan to connect cities located around 1,000 kilometres from Delhi. Currently, there are 150 Vande Bharat chair car trains operating during daytime schedules across the country. The sleeper version is being built for overnight journeys. Passengers will get facilities similar to airlines, but at regular train fares.

Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw had recently said in Parliament that 10 sets of Vande Bharat Sleeper coaches will be ready soon at Chennai’s Integral Coach Factory, and the production of 50 additional sleeper sets has also commenced.

Key Features of Vande Bharat Sleeper Train:

• Speed: Maximum speed of 180 km/hr, with operational speed around 160 km/hr
• Fare: Expected to be higher than Rajdhani Express
• Coaches: Total 16 passenger coaches, including 11 AC 3-Tier coaches, four AC 2-Tier coaches and one AC First Class coach.
• Amenities:
  • USB charging like in airplanes
  • Integrated reading lights
  • Internal display panels
  • Public announcement and visual systems
  • CCTV surveillance
  • Modular pantry
  • Special berths for differently-abled passengers
  • Bio-vacuum toilets
  • Hot water showers in AC First Class coaches

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