- What’s launching; where it fits vs Rajdhani
- Timings & likely fares (Delhi–Patna)
- Berths & occupancy math (per rake)
- Route & halts (indicative)
- Value vs Rajdhani
- Corridor expansion map (reports)
- Booking tips & FAQs
The short
- What: India’s first Vande Bharat Sleeper—a semi-high-speed overnight EMU with 1AC/2AC/3AC berths—set to debut on Delhi–Patna (via Prayagraj).
- Why it matters: Targets ~11.5 hours end-to-end, trimming the corridor’s typical 12–17 hr range and challenging Rajdhani on speed and comfort.
- Fares (likely): Early reports indicate ~10–15% above Rajdhani class-for-class, subject to dynamic pricing and schedule notification.
- When: Launch expected ahead of the festive window (official timetable/halts TBA).
Timings & likely fares (Delhi–Patna)
Media briefings point to an overnight timetable—indicatively Patna 20:00 → Delhi 07:30 (reverse schedule similar), i.e., ~11.5 hours. Final timings and halts will be notified by Indian Railways.
Speed vs Rajdhani (illustrative)
| Train | Run time | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Vande Bharat Sleeper (expected) | ~11.5 h | Via Prayagraj; semi-high-speed EMU |
| Rajendra Nagar–NDLS Rajdhani | ~11.7–12.3 h | Few halts; 1000–1015 km sector |
| Other Delhi–Patna expresses | 13–17 h | Varies by path & halts |
Likely fare bands (opening)
| Class | Rajdhani (typical) | VBS estimate (+10–15%) |
|---|---|---|
| 1AC | ₹5,400 ± | ₹5,950–₹6,200 |
| 2AC | ₹3,250 ± | ₹3,570–₹3,730 |
| 3AC | ₹2,400 ± | ₹2,650–₹2,770 |
Value take: If VBS holds ~11.5 h reliably and delivers better night comfort/noise levels, a 10–15% premium vs Rajdhani is justifiable for many travelers.
Berths & occupancy math
Coach & berth layout (per 16-coach rake)
| Class | Coaches | Berths |
|---|---|---|
| AC 3-Tier | 11 | 611 |
| AC 2-Tier | 4 | 188 |
| AC First | 1 | 24 |
| Total | 16 | 823 |
Occupancy scenarios (illustrative)
| Load factor | Booked berths | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 70% | ~576 | Off-peak weekday |
| 85% | ~700 | Typical mid-season |
| 95%+ | ~782 | Festive peaks (historic corridor trend) |
Route & halts (indicative)
Planned path is New Delhi → Kanpur → Prayagraj → Pt. Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Jn → Buxar → Ara → Danapur → Patna. Exact halts will be confirmed in the working timetable.
Heads-up Expect limited halts and priority pathing similar to Rajdhani; some paths may be adjusted during festive blocks.
Value vs Rajdhani: the details
Where VBS likely wins
- Turnaround & punctuality: EMU with cabs both ends; faster acceleration.
- Ride & comfort: New interiors, better soundproofing, USB lights & charging, improved toilets.
- Time: Target ~11.5 h vs Rajdhani’s ~12 h+ on this sector.
Where Rajdhani may still edge
- Fare deals: Off-peak dynamic fares can undercut VBS premium.
- Wider quotas: Multiple Rajdhani days/paths sometimes offer more availability options.
Corridor expansion map (reports)
- Delhi–Ahmedabad (via Jaipur under study)
- Delhi–Bhopal (Central India overnight)
- Other 1,000-km-class sectors radiating from Delhi under evaluation
Roadmap Exact sequence depends on rake availability, crew training, and pathing approvals.
Booking & prep
- IRCTC watch: Search “Vande Bharat Sleeper” against NDLS/PNBE & DANAPUR (DNR) near launch week.
- Flex dates: If fares surge, try adjacent days or 2AC/3AC swap; Rajdhani remains a solid fallback.
- Berth choices: 2AC for fewer berths per bay; 1AC for maximum privacy; 3AC best value.
FAQ
- Is Delhi–Patna confirmed? Yes as the first link per multiple reports; final timetable/halts are awaited from Railways.
- How much faster than Rajdhani? Target ~11.5 h vs ~12 h+ (pathing can vary day-to-day).
- Will fares be higher? Early guidance suggests ~10–15% above Rajdhani, subject to dynamic rules.