- Vande Bharat Sleeper is India's first overnight AC sleeper train with modern berths and amenities
- The train offers removable printed blanket covers to address hygiene concerns of used blankets
- It includes 1A, 2A, 3A coaches, bio-vacuum toilets, automatic doors, and onboard catering in fares
The Vande Bharat Sleeper is India's first Vande Bharat train designed specifically for overnight, long-distance travel. Unlike the earlier Vande Bharat services that focused on short daytime journeys with seating-only coaches, this version introduces air-conditioned sleeper berths. It combines the speed, modern design, and technology of the Vande Bharat platform with the practicality of traditional night trains. As part of its aim to make overnight rail journeys more comfortable, passengers are being provided with removable blanket covers. A recent viral video about the same is receiving a lot of attention on Instagram.
In the reel shared by Sukant Shaw, we see the vlogger travelling on the inaugural Vande Bharat Sleeper route operating between Howrah and Kamakhya (Guwahati). The vlogger shows the blanket he received and points out that it is different from the usual ones. It has a blue-and-green design. The vlogger explains that passengers have often voiced concerns about receiving used blankets. To address this issue, the Indian Railways has started providing printed blanket covers. We get to see the cover the vlogger got, and he draws our attention to the official logo of the Northern Frontier Railway (NFR) on it.
The blanket covers are removable, allowing for changing and cleaning in between usage by different passengers. They reportedly come as part of a premium linen kit for Vande Bharat passengers, which also contains a pillow with a cover, a bedsheet and a hand towel.
Vande Bharat Sleeper: Key Features And Amenities
- Fully air-conditioned sleeper train with 1A, 2A and 3A coaches
- Modern, cushioned berths designed for better overnight comfort
- Higher average speeds than conventional sleeper trains
- Automatic doors and sealed gangways for reduced noise and dust
- Bio-vacuum toilets and improved hygiene standards
- Charging points, reading lights, and digital information displays
- CCTV surveillance and enhanced safety systems
- Onboard catering is included in the ticket price
Vande Bharat Sleeper Fares
Vande Bharat Sleeper fares are higher than regular Rajdhani or mail/express sleeper trains, reflecting its premium positioning. The ticket price typically includes meals and onboard services, and bookings are confirmation-only, with no RAC facility. While more expensive, the train is aimed at passengers willing to pay extra for speed, comfort, and a more modern overnight travel experience.
Click here to read about the exact fare structure of Vande Bharat sleeper trains.
Meals On The Vande Bharat Sleeper Train
The food service on India's first Vande Bharat Sleeper has been curated to match the train's premium, overnight travel experience. Passengers are served region-inspired meals that highlight flavours from both Bengal and Assam, reflecting the route the train travels. The menu focuses on familiar, comforting dishes rather than heavy or overly spicy food, making it suitable for long journeys. Staples such as aromatic rice preparations, simple lentils, vegetable sides and traditional sweets are included, giving travellers a taste of local cuisine while keeping meals light and balanced. The idea is to combine regional authenticity with practicality, so that onboard dining feels thoughtful and culturally rooted without compromising comfort during overnight travel.
Click here to read more about the food on the Vande Bharat sleeper train.
