Indian Railways has officially moved forward with plans to manufacture 260 Vande Bharat Sleeper trainsets to transform overnight travel across the country. The manufacturing responsibility lies with BEML Limited and the Integral Coach Factory in Chennai. Two of these trains are already operational as of early 2026, and the ministry targets to have 12 rakes running by the end of the year. These trains are designed to operate at 160 km/h, offering a faster alternative to existing Rajdhani services.
What are the ticket prices for Vande Bharat Sleeper?
The Railway Board has established a distance-based pricing model for these new sleeper trains. A key point for passengers is the minimum chargeable distance of 400 km, meaning travelers going shorter distances will still pay the base fare for 400 km. The fares are higher than standard express trains to match the premium facilities provided.
Base Fares (excluding GST):
| Class | Rate per km |
|---|---|
| AC 3-Tier | ₹2.40 |
| AC 2-Tier | ₹3.10 |
| AC First Class | ₹3.80 |
For a journey of 400 km, the approximate base fare starts at ₹960 for 3AC, while a long journey of 3,500 km could cost up to ₹13,300 for First Class AC.
How is the booking process different from other trains?
Indian Railways has implemented a strict policy for the Vande Bharat Sleeper service to ensure passenger comfort. Unlike other long-distance trains, these rakes will not have any RAC (Reservation Against Cancellation) or Waitlisted tickets. Only confirmed berths are issued to passengers. This ensures that the train does not get overcrowded and amenities remain accessible to everyone.
- Booking Mode: Tickets must be purchased digitally.
- Senior Citizens: The system prioritizes lower berths for men aged 60+ and women aged 45+.
- Safety Features: Every train is equipped with KAVACH protection and aerosol-based fire suppression.
- Hygiene: AC units use UV-C lamp disinfection systems to keep the air clean.