The Vande Bharat Sleeper Express is all set to launch next week, and the new train service will do away with some features commonly found on most Indian trains. To begin with, the train will not offer Reservation Against Cancellation (RAC). Fares are also expected to be slightly higher than those of most premium trains. Scroll down for more details.
Vande Bharat Sleeper Trains Ready For Rollout Soon
The much-anticipated Vande Bharat sleeper train is all set to be flagged off by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the Guwahati-Howrah route. This new train will significantly reduce travel time and make the journey more convenient and comfortable.
Now, according to The Indian Express, there will be “no provision for RAC/waitlisted/partially confirmed tickets” on Vande Bharat sleeper trains. In a circular issued January 9, the Indian Railway Board announced that all available berths will be available from the day of Advance Reservation Period (ARP) on these trains.
However, just like other Indian trains, these new ones will also have a quota for women, Persons with Disabilities (PwD) and senior citizens, and a duty pass quota for staff, The Indian Express reported.
Fare Structure For The New Trains
As for fares, Vande Bharat sleeper trains are expected to be more expensive than premium services such as the Rajdhani Express. The minimum fare on the train will be equivalent to a 400-km journey rate. Passengers will be charged at ₹2.4 per km for 3AC, ₹3.1 per km for 2AC, and ₹3.8 per km for First AC. For journeys of up to 400 km, this translates to a minimum fare of ₹960 in 3AC, ₹1,240 in 2AC, and ₹1,520 in First AC. Goods and Services Tax (GST) will be charged separately.
For a 1,000-km journey, such as the Howrah–Guwahati route, fares on the Vande Bharat Sleeper Express are expected to be ₹2,400 for 3AC, ₹3,100 for 2AC, and ₹3,800 for 1AC. For a 2,000-km journey, fares will increase to ₹4,800 for 3AC, ₹6,200 for 2AC, and ₹7,600 for 1AC. Overall, these fares are higher than those of trains like the Rajdhani Express, which charges lower per-kilometre rates on key routes such as Delhi–Mumbai.
Currently, the highest fare you will have to pay on the Howrah-Guwahati route is for the Saraighat Express. For a journey on this train, passengers have to shell out ₹1,410 for a seat in 3AC, ₹1,985 for 2AC, and ₹3,320 for 1AC.
Also Read: Vande Bharat Trains To Serve Regional Dishes Like Idli, Dosa, Thepla & More To Passengers
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