Indian Railways is exploring the introduction of an overnight Vande Bharat Sleeper service linking Jaipur with Ajmer, marking a significant step in modernising long-distance travel across Rajasthan. The initiative, under consideration by North Western Railway officials, is designed to offer faster, safer, and more comfortable overnight journeys for residents and business travellers while enhancing connectivity between key cities in the state and potentially neighbouring regions.
Unlike the daytime Vande Bharat services that primarily focus on high-speed intercity travel, this proposed service will feature sleeping berths and enhanced passenger amenities tailored for overnight travel. Urban mobility analysts note that sleeper variants of premium trains can reduce daytime congestion, enable efficient use of rolling stock, and improve overall passenger experience on heavily trafficked routes. Rajasthan’s growing domestic tourism and business corridors stand to benefit substantially from this development. Cities such as Jaipur and Ajmer see daily flows of pilgrims, tourists, and professionals, often relying on older, conventional trains for overnight travel. Introducing a Vande Bharat Sleeper service could cut travel times, improve reliability, and provide passengers with modern comforts that were previously unavailable on many overnight routes.
Railway planners are considering extending the service beyond Rajasthan to major urban hubs such as Delhi and Ahmedabad, thereby integrating regional mobility with national high-speed networks. Experts emphasise that better intercity rail connectivity can support regional economic growth, improve workforce mobility, and reduce dependency on private vehicles, aligning with broader sustainable transport objectives. The move also fits into Indian Railways’ ongoing efforts to expand its premium train portfolio, offering technologically advanced options that combine speed, safety, and passenger convenience. In addition to faster transit, the sleeper service is expected to address capacity constraints during peak travel seasons and festivals, when demand for overnight travel in Rajasthan spikes.
While route alignment, scheduling, and ticketing mechanisms are still being finalised, railway authorities are reportedly prioritising operational feasibility and passenger demand analytics. Urban transport experts highlight that integrating sleeper Vande Bharat services into existing rail operations could set a precedent for other states, providing a template for combining high-speed mobility with long-distance comfort. If approved and implemented, the Jaipur–Ajmer Vande Bharat Sleeper train will not only transform overnight rail travel in Rajasthan but also enhance the state’s urban-rural connectivity, facilitate safer and more energy-efficient commuting, and contribute to responsible, people-centric transport infrastructure across the region.
Indian Railways Plans Rajasthan Overnight Vande Bharat Service
