Indian Railways is continuously moving towards modernization. In 2019, the Vande Bharat Express train was launched, which is now the fastest train in India. Earlier this title was held by Delhi-Bhopal Shatabdi. From 2019 to 14 September 2024, India has introduced 60 Vande Bharat trains. These trains cover more than 280 districts in 24 states and union territories. Vande Bharat Express fares are slightly higher than regular AC trains. Indian Railways is now preparing to introduce the sleeper version of Vande Bharat Express, which is expected to be on track by next year. The first Vande Bharat sleeper train will run from New Delhi to Srinagar.
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In September 2024, India’s Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw unveiled the prototype of the Vande Bharat sleeper train. It is estimated that by January 2025, India will get the first Vande Bharat sleeper train, which will run between New Delhi and Srinagar. This train will operate under the Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link (USBRL) project. The sleeper train will cover the distance of 800 kilometers in less than 13 hours. According to a senior railway official, the train will initially run between New Delhi and Srinagar and later it will be extended to Baramulla.
route description
New Delhi-Srinagar Vande Bharat Sleeper train will stop at stations like Ambala Cantt Junction, Ludhiana Junction, Kathua, Jammu Tawi, Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra, Sangaldan and Banihal. The train will depart from New Delhi at 7 pm and reach Srinagar at 8 am. Passengers will have three coach options: AC 3-tier (3A), AC 2-tier (2A), and AC First Class (1A).
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fare details
New Delhi-Srinagar Vande Bharat Sleeper train fares are expected to be around Rs 2,000 for AC 3-tier, Rs 2,500 for AC 2-tier and Rs 3,000 for AC First Class.