India’s railway sector has entered a new phase with the introduction of the state-of-the-art Vande Bharat Sleeper Express, a semi-high-speed sleeper train designed to transform long-distance overnight travel. As it begins operations, comparisons with the iconic Rajdhani Express have intensified, since Rajdhani has long served as India’s premier overnight connection between Delhi and major cities.
The Vande Bharat Sleeper was introduced to provide a modern upgrade for passengers seeking faster, cleaner, and more comfortable travel, while Rajdhani trains were originally launched in 1969 to establish elite, fast intercity links across India. The new service made its debut on January 17, 2026, connecting Howrah and Kamakhya, marking a significant milestone for routes in eastern and north-eastern India.
Vande Bharat Sleeper: The Modern Upgrade to Rajdhani Comfort and Speed
In terms of speed, the Vande Bharat Sleeper operates at 120–130 km/h on most routes and touched 180 km/h during trial runs. Rajdhani trains can reach up to 140 km/h on select stretches but typically run slower, giving the Vande Bharat a noticeable travel-time advantage.
Its coach composition reflects an emphasis on ergonomics and comfort, featuring eleven AC 3-tier, four AC 2-tier, and one First AC coach, collectively accommodating more than 800 passengers. The interiors include better-designed berths, improved cushioning, soft night lighting, personal reading lamps, ladders, charging ports, and foldable snack tables, promising a significantly enhanced experience compared to traditional Rajdhani sleeper coaches.
Technologically, the Vande Bharat Sleeper distinguishes itself with self-propelled trainsets, enabling quicker acceleration and braking. Power drawn from all axles reduces turnaround time and improves efficiency. Additional features such as automatic doors, sealed gangways ensuring consistent air-conditioning, advanced suspension to reduce jerks, and safety systems including Kavach reflect a modern engineering approach. Rajdhani trains, in contrast, continue with locomotive haulage and conventional couplings.
Vande Bharat Sleeper Brings a Modern Overhaul to Overnight Train Travel
Ticketing rules further set the two apart: the Vande Bharat Sleeper issues only confirmed berths with no RAC or waitlist options and enforces a minimum 400-km fare. Rajdhani trains follow standard IRCTC norms, including RAC and concession eligibility. While opinions differ on whether the Vande Bharat Sleeper will eventually replace the Rajdhani, its arrival clearly signals a new era in India’s overnight rail travel.
Summary:
The Vande Bharat Sleeper Express marks a major upgrade in India’s overnight rail travel, offering faster speeds, self-propelled technology, and enhanced comfort compared to the Rajdhani Express. With modern interiors, advanced safety features, and confirmed-only ticketing, it introduces a new standard while sparking debate over Rajdhani’s long-term relevance.
