Indian Railways has been introducing new trains and upgraded coaches with a focus on passenger comfort, safety and convenience. While improved berths, modern toilets and upgraded interiors often grab attention, smaller design changes can also make a difference, particularly during long overnight journeys. Want to know more? Read on!
Creator Catches Major Difference Between Vande Bharat Sleeper & Rajdhani
One such feature of the Vande Bharat Sleeper has caught passengers’ attention after travel content creator Dhananjay Kumar shared a video comparing its layout with conventional trains, including the Rajdhani Express. Passengers travelling in AC 3-tier coaches of conventional trains have often complained about disturbances near berths close to coach entrances and toilets. Passenger and vendor movement, along with doors opening and closing, can make it difficult to rest at night.
In his Instagram video, Kumar highlights the Vande Bharat Sleeper’s entrance arrangement. It features a sliding door and additional space between the entrance gate and passenger berths. This separates the sleeping area from movement around the coach entrance. The layout could help reduce disturbances for passengers occupying nearby berths. The video has received positive reactions from social media users, with several praising the attention given to passenger comfort. Some welcomed the arrangement as a practical improvement and suggested that similar features should be introduced in other trains. Others appreciated the modern interiors and highlighted the importance of maintaining cleanliness and using the upgraded facilities responsibly.
The discussion also brought attention to how a relatively small design change could improve overnight travel, particularly for passengers who often struggle with noise and movement near coach entrances.
Also Read: What Is Served On Bengaluru-Mumbai Vande Bharat Sleeper Train?
Vande Bharat Sleeper vs Rajdhani Express: Key Differences
Both Vande Bharat Sleeper and Rajdhani Express trains cater to long-distance, air-conditioned travel. However, they differ in their design, coach configuration and onboard technology.
- Train design: Rajdhani Express services use conventional locomotive-hauled coaches, while Vande Bharat Sleeper is an integrated, self-propelled trainset. Its propulsion equipment is fitted beneath the coaches, allowing more efficient acceleration and deceleration.
- Coach composition: The 16-coach Vande Bharat Sleeper formation comprises 11 AC 3-tier coaches, four AC 2-tier coaches and one AC First Class coach, with a total capacity of around 823 passengers. Rajdhani’s coach composition varies across services and includes AC First Class, AC 2-tier and AC 3-tier accommodation.
- Speed: The Vande Bharat Sleeper has a design speed of up to 180 kmph and an operating speed of up to 160 kmph, subject to route and operational conditions. Rajdhani trains operate according to the speed limits and infrastructure available on their respective routes.
- Passenger comfort: Vande Bharat Sleeper features ergonomically designed berths, improved suspension, noise-reduction measures, automatic doors and wider, sealed gangways. Rajdhani offers established air-conditioned sleeper accommodation, with facilities varying by rake and service.
- Safety features: The Vande Bharat Sleeper is equipped with the indigenous Kavach train protection system, CCTV surveillance, fire detection and suppression systems, and emergency talk-back facilities.
- Food and catering: Both train categories offer onboard catering. Rajdhani ticket fares include catering charges, while Vande Bharat Sleeper offers meals featuring regional cuisine as part of its onboard service.
Also Read: Bengaluru To Goa In 13 Hours: New Vande Bharat Via Western Ghats Likely In November
The Vande Bharat Sleeper also comes with USB charging ports, improved luggage storage, modern vacuum-based toilets, dedicated spaces for passengers with reduced mobility and enhanced sanitation systems. Its automatic doors, CCTV cameras, fire safety equipment and emergency talk-back facility are designed to improve the overall travel experience.
The first Vande Bharat Sleeper service, operating between Howrah and Kamakhya, began regular operations on January 22, 2026. While its updated design has attracted attention online, its long-term impact will depend on how effectively these features improve the experience of passengers travelling overnight.
Cover Image Courtesy: Instagram/Dhananjay Kumar
FAQs
What are the Vande Bharat routes?
As of 2026, Indian Railways operates over 75 to 160+ Vande Bharat Express services (including chair car and newly launched sleeper variants) across the country, spanning North, South, East, West, and Central India.
What is the ticket price for Vande Bharat?
Ticket prices for the Vande Bharat Express vary depending on the route, distance, and class of travel.
Is there 1st AC in Rajdhani Express?
Yes, Rajdhani Express trains feature First Class AC (1A) coaches.
