Vande Bharat sleeper train: No VIP quota, only confirmed tickets on Guwahati–Kolkata route
Even senior railway officials will not be allowed to use travel passes on the new service
PTC Web Desk: Indian Railways is all set to roll out the country’s first-ever Vande Bharat Sleeper Train on the Guwahati–Kolkata route later this month, a move expected to significantly enhance long-distance overnight travel while strengthening rail connectivity between the Northeast and eastern India.
Senior officials said extensive preparations are underway for the launch, which is being positioned as a premium yet transparent service focused entirely on passenger convenience. Unlike conventional trains, the Vande Bharat Sleeper will operate strictly on confirmed ticket bookings. VIP quotas, emergency quotas, railway passes, RAC (Reservation Against Cancellation), and waiting lists will not be permitted, ensuring a streamlined and fair ticketing system for all passengers.
According to official sources, even senior railway officials will not be allowed to use travel passes on the new service. The initiative aims to maintain uniform rules and eliminate preferential access, offering an equal travel experience to every passenger.
The train will feature completely upgraded bedrolls, including modern blanket covers of superior quality compared to those used in regular long-distance trains. Onboard services will include regional and local cuisine, giving passengers a taste of the culture of the regions the train passes through.
All onboard staff will be dressed in a standardised uniform, and the interiors and services of the train will reflect India’s cultural diversity, officials added.
In terms of composition, the Vande Bharat Sleeper will have 11 coaches of 3 AC, four coaches of 2 AC, and one coach of 1 AC, offering a total of 823 berths. Of these, 611 berths are in 3 AC, 188 in 2 AC, and 24 in 1 AC.
The sleeper version of the Vande Bharat is equipped with several advanced features, including ergonomically designed berths with enhanced cushioning, automatic doors with vestibules for smooth inter-coach movement, superior suspension for a quieter ride, and noise reduction technology. Safety systems such as Kavach (automatic train protection), an emergency talk-back system and advanced disinfectant technology for improved hygiene have also been integrated.