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New Delhi. A new chapter is going to be added in the direction of modernizing Indian Railways and giving passengers a comfortable experience like air travel. After the huge success of chair car Vande Bharat, now the much awaited sleeper Vande Bharat Express is all set to hit the tracks. According to the latest information coming from the Railway Board, the first sleeper Vande Bharat service can be started between one of the busiest and prestigious rail routes of the country—New Delhi to Varanasi.
As of now, two chair car Vande Bharat trains running between Delhi and Kashi operate during the day time. But Sleeper Vande Bharat has been specially designed for ‘overnight journey’ i.e. night travel. Passengers will be able to reach Varanasi, the holy city of Baba Vishwanath, after boarding from Delhi at night. This new premium sleeper train will significantly reduce travel time compared to existing superfast trains like Rajdhani, Duronto and Shiv Ganga Express.
The distance between Delhi and Varanasi is approximately 755 to 770 kilometers. Currently running regular superfast trains take 11 to 14 hours to cover this distance, while the Rajdhani Express covers it in about 9.5 to 10 hours. Sleeper Vande Bharat with a speed capacity of 160 kilometers per hour will make this journey in just 7 hours 45 minutes to 8 hours 15 minutes It is aiming to include within.
The proposed timetable and tentative route details are as follows:
| Description | New Delhi to Varanasi (Down) | Varanasi to New Delhi (UP) |
| Departure time | 11:00 pm (New Delhi) | 11:15 pm (Varanasi Junction/Cantt) |
| Arrival time | 06:45 am – 07:00 am (Varanasi) | 07:00 am – 07:15 am (New Delhi) |
| total travel time | About 7 hours 45 minutes to 8 hours | about 8 hours |
| major stoppage | Kanpur Central, Prayagraj Junction | Prayagraj Junction, Kanpur Central |
| days of operation | 6 days a week (proposed) | 6 days a week (proposed) |
This train will run through the most high-speed 130-160 kmph upgraded track section (Delhi-Pandit Deendayal Upadhyay Junction route) of North Central Railway (NCR) and Northern Railway (NR). Only limited and highly busy stations en route—Kanpur Central and Prayagraj JunctionBut there is a plan to give commercial stoppages of 2 to 5 minutes, so that the speed and punctuality is maintained.
The interior of the sleeper Vande Bharat, designed by BEML and Integral Coach Factory (ICF), gives the feel of business class on a modern flight. It has several revolutionary changes compared to the traditional Rajdhani and LHB coaches:
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Extra Cushioning and Birth Comfort: Compared to traditional sleeper berths, ergonomic foam has been used in its berth. Special stairs (footsteps) have been designed to climb up to the upper berth, so that the elderly will not face any problem in climbing up.
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Jerk-Free Ride: The train has been fitted with state-of-the-art semi-active suspension and automatic coupling, due to which passengers will not feel shocks or vibrations even at a speed of 160 km/hr.
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Hot shower facility in First AC: Hot water shower cubicle will be available for passengers in the first AC compartment.
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Sensor-Based Bio-Vacuum Toilets: Odor-free and water-saving touch-free toilets, automatic soap dispensers and modular wash basins are provided.
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Sound and temperature control: Better soundproofing has been done, so that track and wind noise will not come inside the train. Additionally, dedicated reading lamps, mobile charging ports and USB sockets are available at all berths.
Sleeper Vande Bharat train will have a total of 16 coaches with sleeping capacity of 823 passengers:
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Third AC (3-Tier AC): 11 coaches (about 611 seats)
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Second AC (2-Tier AC): 4 coaches (about 188 seats)
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First AC: 1 coach (about 24 seats)
Talking about fare, according to Railway Board sources, the fare of Sleeper Vande Bharat is almost less than the base fare of regular Rajdhani Express. 10% to 15% more It is possible The estimated fare for Third AC is likely to be around ₹ 1,900 to ₹ 2,200, Second AC fare is likely to be around ₹ 2,800 to ₹ 3,200 and First AC fare is likely to be around ₹ 3,800 to ₹ 4,300 (including food charges).
This overnight train will take the business, cultural and religious movement between Delhi and Purvanchal to a new level. Businessmen and devotees will be able to complete the journey by sleeping at night without losing any day time and will be able to reach their destination refreshed the next morning.