Up to 24 high-tech sleeper coaches, overnight semi‑high‑speed travel, premium amenities—Diwali and Chhath travel just got easier
Indian Railways is preparing to unveil its first-ever Vande Bharat Sleeper Express, likely running between Delhi and Patna. This long‑distance, overnight variant of the Vande Bharat platform is built for comfort, speed, and luxury.
Launch Timeline
- Targeted rollout: End of September 2025 — just in time for Diwali, Chhath Puja, and the Bihar Assembly elections
- Trials completed; final approvals pending from the RDSO and the Commissioner of Railway Safety (CRS)
Train Features & Route Highlights
- Coach Composition: Up to 24 sleeper coaches with AC First Class, 2-Tier, and 3-Tier berths
- Speed: Designed for speeds up to 180 km/h, with a consistent service speed of 160 km/h
- Travel Time: Delhi–Patna journey cut to approximately 11.5 hours, down from the usual 12–17 hours
Passenger Comfort & Safety
- Modern interiors: Ambient lighting, ergonomic berths, sleek glass fibre panels
- Tech & safety enhancements: Touch-free bio-digester toilets, automatic doors, CCTV coverage, and enhanced fire safety systems
Strategic Significance
- Festive Season Relief: Launch aligned with high travel demand for Diwali and Chhath, easing congestion on busy corridors
- Bihar Connectivity Boost: Enhances travel infrastructure ahead of state elections, offering better linkage to the national capital
What Lies Ahead
- Route finalization for stoppages and possible extensions like Sitamarhi and Darbhanga is in progress
- Fare Framework: Expected to be priced slightly higher than Rajdhani due to advanced amenities
- Fleet Expansion: Production underway for 10 sleeper train sets, with plans to scale up significantly from ICF Chennai
Summary Table
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Route | Delhi ↔ Patna (potential extensions) |
| Launch Window | Late September 2025 |
| Coaches | ~24 sleeper coaches (AC 1A, 2A, 3A) |
| Speed | Up to 180 km/h, service at 160 km/h |
| Duration | Approx. 11.5 hours |
| Amenities | Berths, ambient lighting, toilets, CCTV |
| Purpose | Festive travel ease, Bihar infrastructure |
The launch of India’s first Vande Bharat Sleeper Train marks a significant leap in the country’s rail modernization efforts. With its high-speed capability, premium comfort, and festival-ready timing, the train promises to redefine overnight travel for millions—especially for those commuting between Delhi and Bihar. As Indian Railways continues to push boundaries, the sleeper variant of Vande Bharat could become a blueprint for future long-distance travel across the nation.
