The Indian Railway Board has officially notified the fare structure and reservation rules for the highly anticipated Vande Bharat Sleeper Express. Designed for overnight travel, the first service is scheduled for inauguration by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the Guwahati-Howrah route on January 17, 2026.
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The new guidelines mark a significant shift toward “airline-style” operations, prioritizing confirmed seating and high-speed efficiency.
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1. Distance-Based Fare Structure
The fares are approximately 10-15% higher than Rajdhani Express, with a minimum chargeable distance of 400 km, even for shorter journeys.
| Distance Slab | 3AC Fare (₹) | 2AC Fare (₹) | 1AC Fare (₹) |
| Up to 400 km (Min.) | 960 | 1,240 | 1,520 |
| Up to 800 km | 1,920 | 2,480 | 3,040 |
| Up to 1,600 km | 3,840 | 4,960 | 6,080 |
| Up to 2,000 km | 4,800 | 6,200 | 7,600 |
| Up to 3,500 km (Max.) | 8,400 | 10,850 | 13,300 |
Note: Base fares exclude GST and other applicable cess.
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2. The “No RAC” Policy: A First for Indian Railways
In a major departure from traditional long-distance travel, the Vande Bharat Sleeper will not offer the following:
No RAC (Reservation Against Cancellation): No two passengers will be required to share a side-lower berth.
No Waitlist/Partial Confirmation: Only passengers with a fully confirmed berth will be allowed to board.
Why? This ensures that the premium overnight experience remains undisturbed by overcrowding or uncertainty.
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3. New Booking & Quota Rules
To improve security and efficiency, the Ministry has introduced stricter digital guidelines effective January 12, 2026:
Aadhaar Authentication: Only Aadhaar-authenticated users can book tickets on the opening day of the Advance Reservation Period (ARP).
Digital Only: All tickets must be purchased through digital platforms (IRCTC/App) to ensure refunds are initiated within 24 hours of cancellation.
Lower Berth Preference: The system will automatically prioritize lower berths for Men (60+), Women (45+), and those traveling with small children.
Restricted Passes: Only fully reimbursable duty passes are allowed. Concessional or free-complimentary passes are not admissible for this train.
4. Key Features & Comparison
| Feature | Vande Bharat Sleeper | Rajdhani Express |
| Max Speed | 160 kmph (Capability up to 180) | 130 kmph |
| Berth Design | Ergonomic with improved cushioning | Standard padding |
| Safety | Integrated Kavach system | Variable (Old rakes) |
| Interiors | Noise-reduced, automatic vestibules | Traditional design |
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