With sleek cabins, Wi-Fi, sensor lighting and modern safety features, the sleeper Vande Bharat promises luxury rail travel—but public response reveals mixed feelings on maintenance and civic behaviour.
A New Era in Indian Rail Travel
India has unveiled its first sleeper version of the Vande Bharat Express, raising the bar for long-distance train travel with luxury features inspired by aircraft cabins.
- Designed for overnight journeys, this sleeper train promises to combine speed, comfort, and modern design.
- The prototype was showcased in New Delhi, and is likely to debut on the Delhi–Patna route.
Key Features: What Makes It Premium?
The sleeper Vande Bharat train comes with a host of futuristic amenities:
- Aircraft-style interiors with ergonomic and reclining seats
- AC First Class, 2-tier, and 3-tier coaches
- Automatic doors for safety and comfort
- Reading lights, Wi-Fi, USB charging ports at each berth
- Sensor-based lighting and digital display panels
- Capacity: Around 1,128 passengers, including 823 sleeper berths
- Top speed: Designed to run at 160 km/h
Its 16-coach configuration includes:
- 1 AC First Class coach
- 4 AC 2-Tier coaches
- 11 AC 3-Tier coaches
Public Reaction: Praise Meets Scepticism
Online reactions to the sleek interiors have been largely positive, though concerns persist:
👍 Admiration
- Users praised the airline-like ambience, lighting, and design innovation.
- Many expressed pride in India’s ability to modernise its railway systems.
👎 Concern
- Others questioned whether such luxury could be maintained in public transport.
- Fears of vandalism, spitting, and littering dominated the conversation.
- Some netizens joked about implementing a “civic score system” to ensure passengers respect the train’s cleanliness.
Suggested Fixes by the Public
Several users recommended:
- Higher ticket prices to deter irresponsible usage
- Strict on-board fines and surveillance for damage or littering
- Enhanced housekeeping protocols and trained cleaning staff
- Public awareness campaigns promoting respectful travel
These ideas reflect the ongoing tension between infrastructure advancement and public behaviour in shared spaces.
Fares and Operational Expectations
While exact launch dates remain unconfirmed, ticket prices are expected to be 10–15% higher than Rajdhani Express fares, varying by route and class.
The sleeper Vande Bharat represents a strategic upgrade in Indian Railways’ plan to modernise its long-distance services, following the successful rollout of multiple daytime Vande Bharat Express trains.
India’s first sleeper Vande Bharat train—featuring aircraft-style interiors, Wi-Fi, and modern safety features—has been unveiled, promising premium overnight travel. Public reactions are mixed: excitement over design is met with concern about upkeep and passenger responsibility.
