Vande Bharat Sleeper Trains Plan Expands with 260 New Services for Long Distance Travel
Indian Railways plans to introduce 260 Vande Bharat sleeper trains designed for long distance night travel offering faster speed improved safety and confirmed seats for passengers.
- Vande Bharat sleeper trains will introduce 260 new services across India.
- Vande Bharat sleeper trains will run at speeds up to 160 kilometers per hour.
- Vande Bharat sleeper trains will offer confirmed seats without waiting list.
Indian Railways is preparing to introduce a large network of Vande Bharat sleeper trains aimed at improving long distance travel across the country. Around 260 new trains are planned to be rolled out in phases to provide faster and more comfortable overnight journeys for passengers.
These trains are specially designed for night travel and will help reduce travel time on major routes. Officials say the sleeper version of Vande Bharat trains will bring modern features and improved passenger comfort to long distance rail travel.
The new trains are being developed jointly by BEML and the Integral Coach Factory in Chennai. While an exact timeline for the launch of all 260 trains has not been officially announced the services are expected to be introduced gradually across different routes.
One of the key features of the Vande Bharat sleeper trains is the elimination of waiting list and RAC tickets. Passengers will be provided only confirmed seats which is expected to improve convenience and reduce uncertainty in travel planning.
Ticket booking for these trains will be primarily digital allowing passengers to reserve seats through online platforms. Railway officials have indicated that the fare structure will depend on the distance traveled.
For example a journey of around 400 kilometers may cost approximately 960 rupees for a three tier AC seat while the final fare will vary depending on the total distance covered.
The trains are designed to operate at speeds of up to 160 kilometers per hour which will help cut travel time significantly compared with many existing services. Advanced technology has also been included to improve passenger safety.
The coaches will feature modern safety systems including the Kavach train protection system and fire resistant doors to reduce the risk of accidents. UV C lighting systems are also installed to keep the air inside the coaches clean and reduce germs.
Passenger convenience has also been considered in the design. Special toilets will be available for persons with disabilities while easier access steps have been provided for upper berths.
The booking system will also prioritize lower berths for senior citizens including men above 60 years and women above 45 years making travel more comfortable for older passengers.
Railway officials believe the introduction of Vande Bharat sleeper trains will transform long distance rail travel in India by combining speed safety and modern facilities.
