Key Points
- No RAC, waitlisted, or partially confirmed tickets will be issued, only confirmed bookings allowed.
- Minimum chargeable distance is 400 km, with fares of ₹960 (3AC), ₹1240 (2AC), and ₹1520 (1AC).
- Fare structure charges ₹2.4 per km for 3AC, ₹3.1 per km for 2AC, and ₹3.8 per km for 1AC, plus separate GST.
- For 1000 km (Howrah-Guwahati distance), fares will be ₹2400 (3AC), ₹3100 (2AC), and ₹3800 (1AC).
- Fares are slightly higher than Rajdhani Express, which charges ₹2.14 (3AC), ₹2.91 (2AC), and ₹3.60 (1AC) per km.
- First train will have 16 coaches, 11 3AC, four 2AC, and one 1AC, reducing travel time by three hours.
- Train can reach 180 kmph but will run at 130 kmph for safety, equipped with Kavach protection system.
The Railway Board has unveiled the fare structure for the ambitious Vande Bharat Sleeper Express, introducing several unique features that set it apart from existing premium trains. According to a circular issued on January 9, 2026, the train will operate without any provision for Reservation Against Cancellation (RAC), waitlisted, or partially confirmed tickets, issuing only confirmed bookings from the day the Advance Reservation Period opens.
No RAC or Waitlisted Tickets
The circular explicitly states that “minimum chargeable distance shall be 400 km” and “only confirmed tickets shall be issued for this train.” This means passengers cannot book RAC tickets, a feature available in AC classes of other express trains where waitlisted tickets are automatically cancelled if not confirmed. The train will maintain standard quotas including ladies quota, Person with Disabilities (PwD) quota, senior citizen quota, and Duty Pass quota, but will not offer the flexibility of RAC that travelers have come to expect on premium services.
Fare Structure and Minimum Charges
The fare structure adopts a flat rate per kilometer across all distances. Passengers will be charged at a rate of ₹2.4 per km for 3AC, ₹3.1 per km for 2AC, and ₹3.8 per km for 1AC. Consequently, the minimum fare for a Vande Bharat Sleeper train, covering up to 400 km distance, will be ₹960 for 3AC, ₹1240 for 2AC, and ₹1520 for 1AC. The Goods and Services Tax (GST) will be levied separately on these base fares.
For a 1000 km distance, the approximate distance between Howrah and Guwahati where the first Vande Bharat Sleeper train is scheduled to launch, the fare will be ₹2400 for 3AC, ₹3100 for 2AC, and ₹3800 for 1AC. For longer distances, such as 2000 km, the fares are ₹4800 for 3AC, ₹6200 for 2AC, and ₹7600 for 1AC. For 3000 km, passengers would pay ₹7200 for 3AC, ₹9300 for 2AC, and ₹11400 for 1AC.
Comparison with Existing Premium Trains
The Vande Bharat Sleeper fares are slightly higher than those of existing premium trains. For instance, the Delhi-Howrah Rajdhani Express charges ₹3105 for 3AC, ₹4225 for 2AC, and ₹5215 for 1AC for a 1448 km distance, at the rate of ₹2.14 (3AC), ₹2.91 (2AC), and ₹3.60 (1AC) per km. Similarly, the CSMT Rajdhani (Delhi-Mumbai) charges a per-km fare at the rate of ₹2.10 (3AC), ₹2.85 (2AC), and ₹3.53 (1AC).
The highest fare of the existing express train, Saraighat Express on the Howrah-Guwahati (Kamakhya Jn.) route is ₹1410 (3AC), ₹1985 (2AC), and ₹3320 (1AC), making Vande Bharat Sleeper significantly more expensive than current options on this route.
First Train on Guwahati-Howrah Route
The first Vande Bharat Sleeper train is scheduled to be inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi next week on the Guwahati-Howrah route, covering 10 stops across nine districts. These include Howrah, Hooghly, Purba Bardhaman, Murshidabad, Malda, Jalpaiguri, and Cooch Behar in West Bengal, and Kamrup Metropolitan and Bongaigaon in Assam. These will be overnight trains, starting in the late evening and ending in the morning, with 16 coaches, including 11 3AC, four 2AC, and one 1AC. The Vande Bharat Sleeper train on the route will reduce travel time by three hours compared to the existing express train service.
Train Features and Capabilities
The semi-high-speed Vande Bharat Sleeper trains are poised to become a benchmark for luxurious, comfortable, and safe travel, much like the Rajdhani Express trains enjoyed for many decades after their first launch in 1969. Interestingly, Howrah was the launch pad for the Rajdhani train as well. The train can travel at a speed of 180 kmph but will only run up to 130 kmph for this service due to safety reasons.
Other features include ergonomically designed berths with improved cushioning, automatic doors with vestibules for smooth movement, enhanced ride comfort with superior suspension and noise reduction. The train is built with the automatic train protection system, Kavach, and the emergency talk-back system. It has disinfectant technology to maintain sanitation, a driver cab with advanced controls and aerodynamic exterior, and automatic exterior passenger doors.
Market Positioning and Passenger Experience
The Vande Bharat Sleeper Express positions itself as a premium product targeting passengers willing to pay higher fares for guaranteed confirmed berths, modern amenities, and faster travel times. The elimination of RAC and waitlisted tickets, while reducing flexibility, ensures that passengers who book will have confirmed accommodation, eliminating the uncertainty that often accompanies premium train bookings during peak seasons. The higher fare structure reflects the enhanced features, modern technology, and improved passenger experience that the Vande Bharat brand promises to deliver.
