The Indian Railways is set to introduce a new addition to its Vande Bharat series—an overnight sleeper train connecting New Delhi to Srinagar.
The Vande Bharat Sleeper, built by Bharat Earth Movers Limited (BEML), will commence operations in January 2025, providing a faster and more comfortable travel experience for long-distance, overnight journeys.
Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw unveiled the prototype in September 2024.
According to senior officials, the Vande Bharat Sleeper will significantly enhance rail connectivity between the national capital and Srinagar, the capital of Jammu Kashmir. Indian Railways also has plans to extend the route further to Baramulla, aiming to improve access to the region.
Route and Maintenance
The Vande Bharat Sleeper will operate between New Delhi and Srinagar, with the Northern Railway (NR) zone managing its maintenance and operations.
The train will connect key cities, strengthening ties between New Delhi and Jammu and Kashmir.
Travel Time and Distance
Covering over 800 kilometers, the Vande Bharat Sleeper train will take less than 13 hours to travel from New Delhi to Srinagar.
The service benefits from the expedited construction of the USBHL project, ensuring a quick and efficient journey.
Schedule and Stops
The train will depart from New Delhi at 7:00 PM, reaching Srinagar at 8:00 AM the next morning. It will make crucial stops along the route, including Ambala Cantt Junction, Ludhiana Junction, Kathua, Jammu Tawi, Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra, Sangaldan, and Banihal.
Ticket Pricing
The Vande Bharat Sleeper will offer three classes: AC 3 Tier (3A), AC 2 Tier (2A), and AC First Class (1A). Ticket prices are expected to be around ₹2,000 for 3A, ₹2,500 for 2A, and ₹3,000 for 1A.
Tags
Jammu and Kashmir