Indian Railways is set to usher in a new era of long-distance rail travel with the launch of the country’s first-ever Vande Bharat Sleeper Train on the Kolkata–Guwahati route. Designed to offer a premium, hassle-free overnight journey, the new service introduces a major reform in ticketing by eliminating Reservation Against Cancellation (RAC) and waiting lists, ensuring that only fully confirmed tickets are issued to passengers.
In another passenger-friendly move, the Railways has also abolished the officers’ quota for this train. This means all berths will be available for public booking right from the opening of the advance reservation window, enhancing transparency and fair access for travellers.
Fare Structure and Coach Composition
Ahead of the much-anticipated launch, Indian Railways has announced the fare structure for the Vande Bharat Sleeper Train. The 16-coach rake will accommodate approximately 823 passengers, with coaches divided into Third AC (3A), Second AC (2A), and First Class AC (1A).
A minimum chargeable distance of 400 kilometres has been fixed for fare calculation. Even if a passenger travels a shorter distance, fares will be calculated based on this minimum threshold. The per-kilometre fares have been set at:
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₹2.40 per km for Third AC
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₹3.10 per km for Second AC
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₹3.80 per km for First Class AC
Accordingly, the minimum base fares will be:
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₹960 for Third AC
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₹1,240 for Second AC
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₹1,520 for First Class AC
An additional 5% GST will be levied on the ticket price. Railway officials said the pricing reflects the premium nature of the service, combining speed, comfort, and advanced safety features.
High-Speed Sleeper with Modern Amenities
Built entirely on indigenous Indian Railways technology, the Vande Bharat Sleeper Train is engineered for a maximum speed of 180 kmph, making it one of the fastest sleeper trains in the country. Passenger safety has been given top priority with the integration of the Kavach automatic train protection and collision avoidance system, along with 24×7 CCTV surveillance across coaches.
The train will feature ergonomically designed sleeping berths, automatic sliding doors, improved lighting, modern washrooms, and enhanced cleanliness standards, offering a significantly upgraded overnight travel experience compared to conventional long-distance trains.
Launch Timeline and Expansion Plans
Prime Minister Narendra Modi is expected to inaugurate the Kolkata–Guwahati Vande Bharat Sleeper Train on January 17, marking a milestone in India’s rail modernization drive. The route has been strategically chosen to cater to heavy long-distance demand connecting eastern and northeastern India.
Indian Railways has ambitious plans to expand this premium sleeper fleet. Officials said eight Vande Bharat Sleeper Trains are targeted to become operational within the next six months, with a goal of manufacturing 12 new sleeper variants by the end of 2026.
With faster travel times, transparent booking, and world-class amenities, the Vande Bharat Sleeper Train is expected to redefine long-distance rail journeys in India and set new benchmarks for comfort and efficiency.
