Indian Railways is set to usher in a new era of long-distance overnight travel with the launch of the country’s first Vande Bharat Sleeper train on the busy Delhi–Patna corridor. Combining the speed of Tejas, the comfort of Rajdhani and the advanced technology of Vande Bharat, the premium sleeper service is expected to begin operations by the end of December.
This development marks a major shift for passengers who rely on overnight rail travel between North India and Bihar’s capital.
Final Preparations Underway for Historic Launch
According to reports, one of the two Vande Bharat Sleeper rakes being manufactured at the Bengaluru-based facility of Bharat Earth Movers Limited (BEML) has already been completed. The rake is scheduled to be handed over to Indian Railways on December 12 for trial runs on the Delhi–Patna route.
Railway officials confirmed that preparations at the Danapur division are in the final stages, and all technical clearances are being fast-tracked to meet the targeted launch timeline.
Coach Configuration and Passenger Capacity
The Vande Bharat Sleeper will feature 16 modern coaches with a total capacity of 827 berths. The breakup includes:
- 611 berths in Third AC
- 188 berths in Second AC
- 24 berths in First AC
Additionally, the rake has been designed with scalability in mind. If demand rises sharply, the coach strength can be expanded to 24 coaches in the future.
Advanced Interior Design and Safety Features
Passenger comfort has been given top priority in the sleeper variant. Key features include:
- Automatic sliding doors
- Bio-vacuum toilets
- CCTV surveillance
- Individual reading lights
- Premium interiors
On the safety front, the train will operate at a maximum speed of 160 kmph and will be equipped with the indigenous Kavach safety system, along with a crash-resistant structure for enhanced protection.
Likely Schedule on the Delhi–Patna Corridor
The train is expected to operate on lines similar to the New Delhi–Rajendra Nagar Tejas Rajdhani Express. It is likely to run six days a week, departing from Rajendra Nagar Terminal in the evening and arriving in Delhi the next morning. The return service is expected to follow a similar overnight schedule.
A Major Upgrade for Bihar–Delhi Rail Connectivity
Once introduced, the Vande Bharat Sleeper is expected to significantly improve travel quality for business travellers, students, migrants and families frequently commuting between Delhi and Bihar. Faster speeds, better punctuality and hotel-like overnight comfort could change how long-distance rail travel is perceived in this high-demand corridor.
