Vande Bharat Sleeper Fares Revealed: No RAC, Higher Prices Loom

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Author Vihaan Mehta | Published :
Vande Bharat Sleeper Fares Revealed: No RAC, Higher Prices Loom
Overview

India's Vande Bharat Sleeper trains debut without RAC tickets, mandating a minimum fare equivalent to a 400-km journey. Fares per km are set at ₹2.4 (3AC), ₹3.1 (2AC), and ₹3.8 (1AC), positioning them above existing premium trains like Rajdhani Express. The first service connects Guwahati and Howrah.

Vande Bharat Sleeper Trains Set for Launch: No RAC, Premium Fares

The highly anticipated Vande Bharat Sleeper Express is set to commence operations next week, introducing a new fare structure that notably excludes the Reservation Against Cancellation (RAC) facility. Passengers will also face a minimum fare equivalent to a 400-km journey, signalling a shift towards premium pricing for the semi-high-speed service.

Fare Structure and Pricing

The Railway Board has specified that only confirmed tickets will be issued for the Vande Bharat Sleeper trains, eliminating the provision for RAC, waitlisted, or partially confirmed tickets. This means all available berths will be open for booking from the start of the Advance Reservation Period (ARP).

Per-kilometer rates are set at ₹2.4 for 3AC, ₹3.1 for 2AC, and ₹3.8 for First AC. Consequently, the minimum fare for any journey on these trains will be ₹960 for 3AC, ₹1,240 for 2AC, and ₹1,520 for First AC, corresponding to a 400-km distance. Goods and Services Tax (GST) will be levied separately on these amounts.

Comparison with Existing Trains

These fares are positioned slightly higher than those on existing premium trains. For instance, the CSMT Rajdhani Express between Delhi and Mumbai charges ₹2.10 per km for 3AC, ₹2.85 for 2AC, and ₹3.53 for First AC. The existing express train fare on the inaugural Howrah-Guwahati route is ₹1,410 (3AC), ₹1,985 (2AC), and ₹3,320 (1AC).

Launch and Features

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to inaugurate the first Vande Bharat Sleeper Express on the Guwahati-Howrah route. This service is expected to reduce travel time by approximately three hours compared to current express services. The train, comprising 16 coaches (11 3AC, four 2AC, and one 1AC), will operate at speeds up to 130 kmph. It will feature advanced amenities like ergonomically designed berths, automatic doors, enhanced ride comfort, noise reduction technology, and the Kavach automatic train protection system.