New Vande Bharat Sleeper Express to Link Delhi and Patna

India’s premier Vande Bharat Sleeper Express is set to debut ahead of Diwali 2025, marking a milestone in Indian Railways’ modernisation drive. The service promises speed, safety, and comfort, offering affordable long-distance travel for millions of passengers.

The Indian Railways will introduce the country’s first Vande Bharat Sleeper Express, a premium train designed for overnight journeys. The service will run between Delhi and Patna via Prayagraj, reducing travel time to 11.5 hours from the current 12–17 hours and offering flight-like comfort at train fares.

Unlike the existing Vande Bharat Express services, which are chiefly chair-car and suited to daytime travel, this new model is designed specifically for overnight journeys. With a maximum speed of 180 km/h, the train is expected to halve journey times on long-distance routes. For comparison, the Rajdhani Express currently takes nearly 23 hours for this route.

The Vande Bharat Sleeper has been manufactured using advanced Integral Coach Factory (ICF) technology by Bharat Earth Movers Limited (BEML). It comes equipped with a host of modern features, including CCTV cameras for enhanced security, LED information and entertainment screens, automatic doors with sensors for safe boarding, contemporary fire safety systems, and on-board announcement facilities. The interiors have been finished in an aircraft-style design, delivering a premium travel experience.

The train is expected to depart Patna at 20:00 and arrive in Delhi by 07:30 the following morning, enabling overnight travel and saving time for passengers. The return journey from Delhi will follow a similar overnight schedule. Fares are projected to be 10–15 per cent higher than those of the Rajdhani Express, but officials argue that the shorter journey time and upgraded amenities justify the difference. When compared with flights, the Vande Bharat Sleeper Express offers a cost-effective alternative without compromising on comfort.

The Vande Bharat Express, first launched in 2019, has become a flagship service of Indian Railways. Currently operating on seven routes nationwide, these semi-high-speed trains have enjoyed strong passenger demand thanks to their speed, safety, and comfort. With the introduction of the sleeper variant, the government aims to extend the service’s reach, particularly for long-distance routes where overnight travel is common. Several sleeper variants and upgraded versions are already in the pipeline, signalling a major transformation in train travel across India.

The Delhi–Patna route is among the busiest in the country, especially during festive seasons when millions travel between the capital and Bihar. The Vande Bharat Sleeper Express is expected to ease congestion, offer passengers a faster travel option, and boost connectivity for both Bihar and Uttar Pradesh. Officials believe this will support regional development by improving business travel and tourism links between northern India and the capital.