Indian Railways is set to usher in a new era of overnight travel with the much-anticipated launch of the country's first Vande Bharat Sleeper train. The inaugural run of this premium service is scheduled for January 17, 2026, marking a significant upgrade in long-distance rail connectivity.
Route and Schedule of the New Sleeper Service
The maiden journey will connect the national capital with India's financial hub. The train will commence its service on the Delhi to Mumbai route, providing a swift and comfortable alternative to existing overnight options. This introduction is poised to redefine passenger experience on one of the busiest railway corridors in the country.
While the exact timings and intermediate stops are to be finalized by the railways, the service is expected to significantly reduce travel time compared to current sleeper and mail express trains. The focus is on blending speed with the essential comfort needed for a night's journey.
Features and Expected Ticket Fare
The Vande Bharat Sleeper variant is designed with a host of passenger-centric amenities. It will feature modern, aerodynamic coaches equipped with advanced safety systems, superior suspension for a smoother ride, and enhanced soundproofing. The interiors will boast of modern berths, improved lighting, individual charging points, and better-designed toilets.
As for the cost of travel, the ticket fare is expected to be positioned between the existing Rajdhani Express services and air travel, offering a value-for-money proposition. Industry estimates suggest fares could be approximately 20-25% higher than current AC first-class and AC two-tier sleeper fares on similar routes, justifying the premium with superior speed and amenities.
A Major Leap for Indian Railways
The launch of the sleeper version is a strategic expansion of the successful Vande Bharat family, which has so far been limited to chair car services for daytime travel. This move addresses the critical need for faster overnight travel, catering to business and leisure travelers alike.
This initiative is part of Indian Railways' broader modernization plan to introduce more semi-high-speed services across its network. The success of this Delhi-Mumbai link could lead to the rapid rollout of similar Vande Bharat Sleeper trains on other major routes like Delhi-Howrah, Delhi-Chennai, and Mumbai-Kolkata.
The official announcement on January 12, 2026, has generated considerable excitement among the public. All eyes are now on January 17 for the historic first run, which promises to set a new benchmark for comfort and efficiency in Indian rail travel.
