Patna: The proposed Vande Bharat Sleeper Express is set to pass through Bihar without halting at any station in the state, according to senior railway officials. The decision has drawn attention as the train will traverse major rail sections of Bihar while continuing non-stop towards the northeast.
Designed for overnight journeys, the sleeper variant of the Vande Bharat Express aims to offer faster travel times and modern amenities for long-distance passengers. The train is expected to operate at higher speeds than conventional sleeper services, with a focus on comfort, safety and efficiency.
Under the current route plan, the train will stop at Kamakhya in Assam, a key religious and transport hub, while bypassing stations in Bihar entirely. The absence of a scheduled halt has sparked concern among passengers and regional observers, who argue that Bihar is a major transit and demand-heavy corridor.
Railway sources said the stoppage strategy has been prepared keeping operational feasibility and journey time reduction in mind. Officials added that passenger feedback and demand patterns could influence future revisions to the route and halt list.
The Vande Bharat Sleeper Express is expected to be introduced in phases after trial runs. Once operational, it will feature upgraded sleeper coaches, advanced safety systems and improved onboard facilities, marking a significant step in the modernisation of India’s long-distance rail network.
