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Indian Railways is preparing to launch the much-anticipated Vande Bharat Sleeper Express just before Diwali with reports suggesting the first journey could happen by the end of September. Unlike the current Vande Bharat trains which only have chair-car seating for short or daytime travel the new sleeper version is being built for overnight journeys. The first service will run between Delhi and Patna via Prayagraj cutting travel time to about 11.5 hours instead of the usual 12–17 hours. Passengers will get facilities similar to airlines but at regular train fares. Officials have also hinted that the train could later connect cities roughly 1000 km from Delhi with possible routes to Ahmedabad Bhopal and Patna via Varanasi. Vande Bharat Sleeper Express routes The upcoming Vande Bharat Sleeper Express will run at speeds of up to 180 km/h making it much faster than the Rajdhani Express which currently takes about 23 hours on the same route. According to reports the train will leave Patna at 8 pm and reach Delhi by 7:30 am the next morning. The return trip from Delhi will follow a similar overnight schedule. Vande Bharat Sleeper Express features and design The new sleeper coaches are being built by Bharat Earth Movers Limited (BEML) using advanced technology from the Integral Coach Factory (ICF). Passengers can expect several modern upgrades including: CCTV cameras for safety LED screens for information and entertainment Automatic doors with sensors Advanced fire safety systems Onboard announcements for convenience The interiors are inspired by aircraft-style design offering a premium feel while still keeping the train experience. Vande Bharat Sleeper Express ticket prices Fares will be about 10–15% higher than Rajdhani Express but railway officials say the higher price is justified since the Sleeper Express will save passengers hours of travel time and provide much better facilities. Even so it is still expected to be cheaper than flying on the same route. Why It Matters for Travellers The Delhi–Patna route is one of the busiest in India especially around festivals when millions travel to Bihar from the capital. The Vande Bharat Sleeper Express is expected to reduce congestion make journeys faster and provide a more comfortable alternative for passengers. Since the first Vande Bharat Express was launched in 2019 it has expanded to seven routes. With this new sleeper version Indian Railways plans to bring the service to more long-distance routes marking a big step in modernizing train travel across the country.