New Delhi: The upcoming Vande Bharat Sleeper Express, set to launch next week, will introduce major changes for passengers — the biggest being that Reservation Against Cancellation (RAC) will not be available on this train. Only confirmed tickets will be issued, meaning no waitlisted or partially confirmed tickets will be allowed.

According to the Railway Board circular issued on January 9, passengers will need to book only confirmed berths from the start of the Advance Reservation Period (ARP). Unlike other express trains, two passengers sharing a side berth under RAC will not be allowed on this service.

Key change: No RAC, no waiting list

only confirmed tickets

- no RAC

- no waitlist

- no partially confirmed tickets

Ticket prices: slightly higher than Rajdhani Express

The Vande Bharat sleeper ticket price will be higher than Rajdhani Express fares, with passengers required to pay at least the fare for 400 km distance, even if they travel less.

Minimum chargeable distance: 400 km

Fare per km

3AC – ₹2.4/km

2AC – ₹3.1/km

1AC – ₹3.8/km

Minimum ticket price (up to 400 km)

3AC – ₹960

2AC – ₹1,240

1AC – ₹1,520

(GST extra)

For the full Howrah–Guwahati route (~1,000 km):

3AC – ₹2,400

2AC – ₹3,100

1AC – ₹3,800

By comparison, Rajdhani Express fares are lower per km:

3AC – ₹2.10/km

2AC – ₹2.85/km

1AC – ₹3.53/km

Faster travel time

The first Vande Bharat Sleeper will run on the Guwahati–Howrah route and is expected to cut travel time by around three hours compared with current express trains.

READ MORE: Want luxury on Indian rails? Check out the new Vande Bharat sleeper train

What facilities will passengers get in Vande Bharat Sleeper train?

The train will feature:

  • ergonomically designed berths with better cushioning
  • automatic doors and sealed gangways
  • smoother ride with improved suspension
  • lower noise inside coaches
  • Kavach automatic train protection system
  • emergency talk-back system
  • disinfectant & hygiene tech
  • modern driver cab and aerodynamic exterior
  • It can run up to 180 kmph, but will operate at 130 kmph for safety reasons.

READ MORE: Kerala likely to get two Vande Bharat sleeper trains on these key routes

Who gets quota in Vande Bharat Sleeper trains?

Quotas will be available for:

women (lower berth)

senior citizens (lower berth)

persons with disabilities (PwD) (lower berth)

railway duty pass holders