Indian Railways is preparing to introduce the first sleeper variant of the Vande Bharat Express on the Patna–Delhi corridor, marking a significant shift in long-distance rail travel for one of the country’s busiest routes. The service, expected to begin operations before the end of the year, aims to cut journey time to around eight hours across roughly 1,000 kilometres. The move reflects the rail network’s broader strategy to offer faster, energy-efficient, and more passenger-focused mobility solutions across major intercity routes.
The new sleeper train has been developed indigenously, with the first rake dispatched from the manufacturing facility of a public-sector engineering enterprise in Bengaluru. Officials familiar with the project said trial runs would begin shortly, paving the way for regular services six days a week. According to railway planners, the sleeper configuration is designed specifically for medium- and long-distance travel, where overnight comfort and punctuality have become essential requirements for travellers.The train will operate with 16 coaches equipped with sleeper berths, departing from the usual chair-car layout of earlier Vande Bharat sets. Railway officials said the new variant has been designed to “elevate the quality of overnight travel” by integrating features such as soft-lit berths, auto-sensing doors, and upgraded bio-toilets that reduce water use and improve hygiene. Safety-focused elements including anti-collision systems and crash-optimised coach structures have also been incorporated into the design, aligning with national efforts to strengthen passenger protection across the network.
With seating capacity for over 800 passengers across AC First Class, AC 2-Tier and AC 3-Tier coaches, the service is expected to ease congestion on existing long-distance trains running between Bihar and the national capital. Transport experts note that such high-speed sleeper services could play a crucial role in shifting travellers away from private buses and short-haul flights, offering a lower-emission alternative that meets the needs of both business and family travellers. For cities like Patna, where mobility gaps often influence migration patterns and economic opportunities, improved long-distance connectivity could support more inclusive growth.
Fares for the new service have not yet been finalised, but officials indicated they would remain competitive with existing premium services such as the Rajdhani Express. Industry observers argue that pricing will play a key role in ensuring equitable access, particularly for regions where rail remains the most dependable travel mode. For passengers, the redesigned sleeper layout offers the advantage of resting during the journey while saving time on arrival an efficiency that is likely to appeal during festival seasons and work-related travel. As Indian Railways continues to modernise its fleet with faster, greener and more commuter-friendly options, the Patna–Delhi sleeper service is being viewed as a model for future long-distance upgrades.
Patna Launches Vande Bharat Sleeper For Delhi Journey Completed In Eight Hours
