For over five decades, the Rajdhani Express has been the undisputed king of the Indian tracks. It was the symbol of luxury, punctuality, and the “elite” way to travel overnight. But as we step into 2026, a new contender has emerged from the hangars of the Integral Coach Factory (ICF): the Vande Bharat Sleeper.
With its sleek aerodynamic nose and futuristic interiors, the Vande Bharat Sleeper isn’t just a new train; it’s a statement. But the golden question remains: Is it actually better than the Rajdhani Express? Or is it just a “fancy makeover” of what we already have?
In this deep dive, we compare speed, comfort, technology, and that legendary “Rajdhani food” to see if you should make the switch for your next long-distance journey.
1. Speed and Efficiency: The “Self-Propelled” Revolution
The most significant technical difference between these two giants lies under the hood—or rather, the lack of one.
The Rajdhani Express is a locomotive-hauled train. It depends on a powerful engine at the front to pull a dead weight of coaches. On the other hand, the Vande Bharat Sleeper is a Distributed Power (DP) Trainset.
Why does this matter to you?
- Acceleration: Like an electric car, the Vande Bharat can speed up and slow down almost instantly. This means even if there are several stops or speed restrictions, it recovers time much faster than a Rajdhani.
- Top Speed: While the Rajdhani is capped at 130–140 km/h on most routes, the Vande Bharat Sleeper is designed for a potential 180 km/h, though it will likely operate at 160 km/h initially due to track constraints.
- Turnaround Time: With driver cabins at both ends, the Vande Bharat doesn’t need an engine reversal at terminal stations, saving precious operational minutes.
2. Interiors and Comfort: A “Hotel on Wheels”
If the Rajdhani feels like a classic first-class experience, the Vande Bharat Sleeper feels like a boutique hotel.
The Berth Upgrade
Indian Railways has finally addressed the biggest complaint of sleeper travelers: the hardness of the berths. The Vande Bharat features extra-cushioned berths made with polyurethane foam.
| Feature | Rajdhani Express | Vande Bharat Sleeper |
| Climbing to Upper Berth | Standard metal ladders (often tricky) | Ergonomically designed easy-climb steps |
| Side Berths | Traditional cushioning | Improved lateral support to prevent “rolling off” |
| Windows | Standard double-pane | Wide-view panoramic windows for better sightseeing |
| Ambiance | Functional yellow/white lights | Calming, sensor-based ambient LED lighting |
Jerk-Free Movement
Because the Vande Bharat uses semi-permanent couplers, the annoying “thud” and jerks you feel when a Rajdhani starts or stops are virtually eliminated. This makes for a much deeper, uninterrupted sleep.
3. The Amenities: Small Changes, Big Impact
It’s the little things that make or break a 15-hour journey. Here is where the Vande Bharat starts to pull ahead:
- Shower Cubicles: For the first time in Indian semi-high-speed rail, the 1st AC coaches of the Vande Bharat Sleeper come equipped with hot water shower cubicles.
- Bio-Vacuum Toilets: Similar to those in airplanes, these are touch-free, odor-controlled, and much more hygienic than the traditional discharge toilets.
- Automatic Doors: No more heavy, clanging manual doors. The Vande Bharat features centralized automatic plug doors that only open when the train is at a standstill.
- Climate Control: The air conditioning units in Vande Bharat are equipped with UV-C lamps to disinfect the air, a post-pandemic innovation that ensures a germ-free environment.
4. The Food Battle: Can Anything Beat Rajdhani’s Hospitality?
For many Indians, the Rajdhani isn’t just a train; it’s a food court on tracks. The legendary soup, the breadsticks, and the humble daal-chawal have a fan base of their own.
However, the Vande Bharat is changing the game with regional curation. For the inaugural Guwahati–Howrah route, the railways have introduced a menu that switches based on your direction.
- Heading to Kolkata? Expect authentic Bengali delicacies.
- Heading to Guwahati? Enjoy the flavors of Assamese cuisine.
The pantry in Vande Bharat is also modular and much cleaner, reducing the “railway pantry smell” that often wafts into the coaches of older trains.
5. Pricing and Value for Money: The Reality Check
Quality comes at a price. On average, the Vande Bharat Sleeper fares are expected to be 10% to 15% higher than the Rajdhani.
Current Estimated Fares (Guwahati to Howrah):
- 3AC: ₹2,300
- 2AC: ₹3,000
- 1AC: ₹3,600
Expert Tip: If you are a business traveler or a tourist where “time is money,” the Vande Bharat is a no-brainer. However, for a family on a budget, the Rajdhani still offers a “premium enough” experience at a lower price point.
6. Safety: The Silent Guardian
The Vande Bharat Sleeper is built with an Atmanirbhar (Self-Reliant) safety shield. It comes pre-installed with KAVACH, India’s indigenous Automatic Train Protection system that prevents collisions even if the loco-pilot misses a signal.
Additionally, the coaches are made of austenitic stainless steel, which has higher crash-worthiness compared to the older LHB coaches used in the Rajdhani.
The Verdict: Is it Better?
Yes, in almost every technical and comfort-related aspect. The Vande Bharat Sleeper is the natural evolution of Indian Railways. It is faster, quieter, and significantly more modern. While the Rajdhani will always hold a nostalgic place in our hearts (and is still a very reliable workhorse), the Vande Bharat is designed for the 21st-century traveler who wants to reach their destination fresh and on time.
Why you might still choose Rajdhani:
- Availability: Rajdhani connects almost every state capital; Vande Bharat routes are still rolling out.
- Familiarity: If you prefer the traditional “social” vibe of Indian rail travel over the “airline-style” privacy of the new coaches.
- Cost: For the budget-conscious traveler.
Conclusion:
The Vande Bharat Sleeper is not just a replacement—it’s an evolution. While Rajdhani will continue to operate for years, the future of premium overnight rail travel in India clearly belongs to Vande Bharat Sleeper.
Expert Tip: If you’re traveling in the Vande Bharat Sleeper 1AC, don’t forget to try the hot shower facility—it’s a game-changer for those heading straight to a meeting from the station!
