India’s railway sector has entered a new phase with the introduction of the state-of-the-art Vande Bharat Sleeper Express, a semi-high-speed sleeper train designed to transform long-distance overnight travel. As it begins operations, comparisons with the iconic Rajdhani Express have intensified, since Rajdhani has long served as India’s premier overnight connection between Delhi and major cities. The Vande Bharat Sleeper was introduced to provide a modern upgrade for passengers seeking faster, cleaner, and more comfortable travel, while Rajdhani trains were originally launched in 1969 to establish elite, fast intercity links across India. The new service made its debut on January 17, 2026, connecting Howrah and Kamakhya, marking a significant milestone for routes in eastern and north-eastern India. Vande Bharat Sleeper: The Modern Upgrade to Rajdhani Comfort and Speed In terms of speed, the Vande Bharat Sleeper operates at 120–130 km/h on most routes and touched 180 km/h during trial runs. Rajdhani trains can reach up to 140 km/h on select stretches but typically run slower, giving the Vande Bharat a noticeable travel-time advantage. Its coach composition reflects an emphasis on ergonomics and comfort, featuring eleven AC 3-tier, four AC 2-tier, and one First AC coach, collectively accommodating more than 800 passengers.… Read MoreBusiness Archives – Trak.in – Indian Business of Tech, Mobile & Startups
