The Indian Railways will introduce the country's first Vande Bharat Sleeper Express this Diwali. The new premium service, designed for overnight journeys, will connect Delhi and Patna via Prayagraj, slashing travel time and offering flight-style comfort at competitive fares, according to a CNBC report.
The service is scheduled to depart Patna at 8 pm and arrive in Delhi at 7.30 am the following morning, completing the journey in just 11.5 hours. This represents a substantial reduction from the 12-17 hours required by other services and less than half the time taken by the Rajdhani Express on the same route, which can take nearly 23 hours.
Manufactured by Bharat Earth Movers Limited (BEML) using advanced Integral Coach Factory (ICF) technology, the train boasts a top speed of 180 km/h. It is kitted out with a suite of modern amenities designed for safety and passenger comfort. These include comprehensive CCTV surveillance, LED information and entertainment screens, sensor-operated automatic doors, advanced fire safety systems and onboard announcement facilities. The interiors have been finished to an aircraft-like standard, promising a premium travel experience.
As reported by CNBC, fares for the new service are projected to be 10-15% higher than those on the Rajdhani Express. However, railway officials suggest the reduced journey time and superior amenities provide strong value, positioning the train as a cost-effective alternative to air travel.
The introduction of the sleeper variant marks a major expansion of the Vande Bharat brand, which was first launched in 2019. While the existing fleet of Vande Bharat trains are chair-car models optimised for daytime travel, this new model specifically targets the high-demand overnight market. The government reportedly has more sleeper variants and upgraded versions in the pipeline, signalling a broader transformation of long-distance rail travel in India.
The choice of the Delhi-Patna route is strategic, as CNBC notes it is one of the busiest corridors in the country, experiencing intense congestion during festive seasons like Diwali when millions travel to Bihar. The new express service is anticipated to alleviate this pressure, provide a faster travel option and enhance regional connectivity for both Bihar and Uttar Pradesh. Officials believe the improved service will support economic development by strengthening business and tourism links with the capital.
The return journey from Delhi to Patna will follow a similar overnight schedule, cementing the train’s role as a convenient time-saver for passengers.
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