Vande Bharat Sleeper to Rival Rajdhani Express: Check Ticket Prices
The Vande Bharat Sleeper Train is a new and modern initiative by Indian Railways, designed to make long overnight journeys more comfortable and convenient. Recently, Rail Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw and State Minister V. Somanna unveiled the prototype of this train at BEML's facility in Bengaluru. The train is equipped with modern features, and its fare will be on par with the Rajdhani Express, making it an affordable option for middle-class families.
Modern Amenities for a Comfortable Journey
The Vande Bharat Sleeper Train offers passengers a range of modern and comfortable amenities. These include advanced toilets, reduced noise and vibrations, and dedicated berths for train attendants. The train will have a maximum speed of 160 km/h and will feature facilities similar to those found on aircraft, such as reading lights, charging sockets, and hot water showers.
Ticket Pricing for Vande Bharat Sleeper Train
The ticket prices for the Vande Bharat Sleeper Train will be comparable to those of the Rajdhani Express. The Rail Minister emphasized that the fares would be set with affordability in mind for middle-class families. The Rajdhani Express is a premium air-conditioned train that connects Delhi with the capitals of various Indian states.
Current Fare for Rajdhani Express
The fare for Rajdhani Express varies depending on the class of travel and the distance:
- For the New Delhi to Dibrugarh route, the fare is ₹3,900 for AC 2 Tier, ₹5,510 for AC 1 Tier, and ₹6,800 for 1st AC.
- The fare from KSR Bengaluru City Junction to Hazrat Nizamuddin ranges between ₹4,245 and ₹7,300.
- For the Delhi to Mumbai route, the fare is ₹2,345 for 3A and ₹5,275 for 1A.
Special Features and Launch Date
The Vande Bharat Sleeper Train is expected to start operating within the next three months. It will include special features such as dedicated berths for train attendants, an air-conditioned compartment with a separate toilet for the engine crew, and the capability to cover night journeys of 800-1200 km.
Advanced Technology and Safety Features
The train will be equipped with technology to control viruses, minimize shocks, noise, and vibrations, and provide a smoother ride. Continuous improvements will be made based on feedback from passengers and staff. Additionally, there will be special technical updates for Vande Sleeper, Vande Chair Car, Vande Metro, and Amrit Bharat trains.
Prototype and Testing
In May 2023, the Integral Coach Factory (ICF) placed an order with BEML for 16-coach Vande Bharat Sleeper Train sets. The train will have a maximum speed of 160 km/h, with the potential to reach 180 km/h during testing. The 16-coach train will have a total of 823 berths, including 611 berths in 11 3AC coaches, 188 berths in 4 2AC coaches, and 24 berths in 1 1AC coach. BEML will soon deliver the first train to ICF, where the rake formation and final testing will take place.
Aircraft-Like Facilities
The Sleeper Train will offer features such as reading lights, charging sockets, mobile/magazine holders, and snack tables in the sleeper berths. First AC passengers will also have access to hot water showers. Additional modern amenities include dog boxes, stainless steel coaches, crash-worthy safety features, LED lights, automatic doors, and modular pantries.