Patna: A new chapter in high-speed train travel is set to begin this month, as Indian Railways prepares to launch the first Vande Bharat sleeper service between Patna and New Delhi. The train, designed to blend the speed of Tejas, the comfort associated with Rajdhani and the technology of the Vande Bharat series, marks a significant upgrade for overnight travellers.
Built to operate at speeds of up to 160 km/h — and capable of touching 180 km/h — the train has been engineered to reduce vibration so effectively that even a cup of tea remains steady at full speed. Indian Railways officials say the sleeper variant aims to replicate the experience of a premium hotel, offering a range of features not seen before on long-distance services.
The 16-coach train will have a total of 827 berths, including 611 in AC3, 188 in AC2 and 24 in AC1. The rake composition may be expanded depending on demand. Fares, officials suggest, are expected to be comparable to the Rajdhani Express.
Two rakes of the sleeper train are nearing completion at the BEML (Bharat Earth Movers Limited) factory in Bengaluru. The first is scheduled to leave the factory on December 12, after which the railways will conduct trial runs on the Delhi–Patna corridor. The service is expected to be operational before the new year and will run six days a week in both directions — departing in the evening and arriving the following morning.
The sleeper’s interior has been designed with an emphasis on comfort and personal space.
🚄 Vande Bharat Sleeper: Patna–Delhi Route Set for Launch
🌟 What Makes It Special
- ⚡ Semi-high-speed sleeper train — runs at 160 km/h, with a top speed of 180 km/h
- 🛌 16 coaches, 827 berths (AC1, AC2, AC3)
- 🥤 Tea won’t spill at 160 km/h — ultra-stable design
🛏️ Onboard Comfort & Amenities
- 💡 USB reading lamps
- 📺 Real-time passenger info (audio + video)
- 📶 Wi-Fi + infotainment system
- 🍽️ Modular pantry for fresh meals
- 🚽 Touch-free bio-vacuum toilets
- 🔥 Hot-water showers in First AC
- 🪜 Ergonomic ladders for upper berths
- ♿ PRM-friendly berths & toilets
🔐 Safety Features
- 🛡️ KAVACH anti-collision system
- 🎤 Integrated emergency talk-back units
- 🚪 Automatic plug doors
- 📹 CCTV surveillance in every coach
- 🌬️ Fully sealed gangways
🛠️ Deployment Timeline
- 🏭 Two rakes built at BEML Bengaluru
- 🚛 First rake dispatch: 12 December
- 🚄 Trial run on Patna–Delhi route
- 📅 Expected to commence before New Year
📌 Travel Schedule
- 📤 Departs Patna: Evening → Arrives Delhi: Morning
- 📥 Departs Delhi: Evening → Arrives Patna: Morning
- 🗓️ Operates 6 days a week
- 💴 Fare expected to be similar to Rajdhani Express
In Parliament on December 3, Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw confirmed that the sleeper variant had been designed indigenously for medium and long overnight routes and that two prototypes were under trial. “These rakes are currently undergoing commissioning,” he said.
For passengers travelling between Patna and Delhi — one of India’s busiest routes — the new service is expected to dramatically improve comfort and cut journey times.
