The Union Railways has made a major announcement regarding the expansion of Vande Bharat sleeper services. Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw confirmed that 12 new Vande Bharat sleeper trains will be introduced across the country this year. The move aims to provide affordable and faster overnight travel options for passengers.
As per the announcement, the first Vande Bharat sleeper train will operate between Kolkata and Guwahati. The service is expected to begin on January 18 or 19. The Railway Minister stated that ticket prices on this route will be significantly lower than airfares, making it a cost-effective option for the middle class.
Currently, air travel between Kolkata and Guwahati costs between ₹6,000 and ₹8,000. In contrast, the sleeper Vande Bharat fares are much lower. The third AC ticket is priced at around ₹2,300, while second AC costs about ₹3,000. The first AC fare is expected to be around ₹3,600. Officials said the pricing was decided with affordability in mind.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi is expected to flag off the first Vande Bharat sleeper service. The Railway Minister also revealed that eight sleeper trains will be ready within the next six months, while all 12 trains will be rolled out by the end of the year.
Each Vande Bharat sleeper train will have 11 third AC coaches, four second AC coaches, and one first AC coach, with a total seating and sleeping capacity of 828 passengers. The trains are designed to run at a maximum speed of 180 kmph. However, in the initial phase, they will operate at 120–130 kmph, depending on track conditions.
With this expansion, Indian Railways aims to strengthen long-distance overnight travel while offering speed, comfort, and affordability.
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