Beyond The Berth: Adjustable Shades, Deep Basins, And More Inside India’s First Vande Bharat Sleeper

The Indian Railways is on the brink of a massive transformation with the official unveiling of the Vande Bharat Sleeper train. While the existing chair-car versions revolutionised day travel, the sleeper variant is designed to conquer long-distance, overnight routes with the luxury of a premium hotel. Boasting a sleek aerodynamic exterior and a cabin experience that prioritises both ergonomics and aesthetics, this train is set to redefine the ‘Gold Standard’ of Indian rail travel. From high-speed stability to world-class interior amenities, here is everything you need to know about India’s first indigenous sleeper powerhouse.

Inside Vande Bharat Sleeper Trains: New Features

The interiors of the Vande Bharat Sleeper are a significant leap forward from the traditional Rajdhani or Duronto expresses. Focusing on passenger comfort and modern hygiene, the new features include:

• Adjustable Window Shades: For the first time, passengers can control the amount of natural light entering their berth with sleek, integrated window shades.

• Deep Washbasins & Modular Toilets: The toilets have been redesigned with anti-splash deep washbasins and modular fittings to maintain superior hygiene throughout the journey.

• Ergonomic Berths: The berths feature extra cushioning and contoured edges, utilising memory foam technology to ensure a restful night's sleep.

• Climb-Friendly Ladders: New, wider, and more secure ladders have been installed to make accessing the upper berths easier for senior citizens and children.

• Enhanced HVAC Systems: The air conditioning is equipped with specialised virus-killing UV-C air filtration and intelligent temperature control.

• Advanced Safety: Each coach is fitted with Kavach and fire-resistant materials throughout the cabin.

  Middle & low-income families की next-generation सवारी…
  🚆Vande Bharat Sleeper pic.twitter.com/kTDXxW2k85

  — Ashwini Vaishnaw (@AshwiniVaishnaw) January 3, 2026

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Vande Bharat Sleeper Train: Operation Date and Ticket Price

As the train undergoes its final phase of rigorous oscillation trials and safety checks, excitement about its commercial debut is high.

• Expected Operation Date: Following the successful unveiling of the prototype, the Vande Bharat Sleeper is expected to begin commercial operations by late March or early April 2026. The first few routes are rumoured to connect major hubs like Delhi-Mumbai and Delhi-Howrah.

• Ticket Price: While the Ministry of Railways is yet to release a final tariff card, industry experts suggest that the ticket prices will be approximately 15% to 25% higher than the current Rajdhani Express fares. For example:

• 3rd AC Sleeper: Estimated around ₹2,500- ₹2,800.

• 2nd AC Sleeper: Estimated around ₹3,800- ₹4,200.

• 1st AC Sleeper: Likely to cross the ₹5,000 mark for major routes.

Image credits: Twitter 

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