The new Vande Bharat Sleeper Express trains promise faster travel, improved comfort, and better safety. But there’s a catch—fares come at airline-like prices. For example, a 3AC ticket costs ₹960 for trips under 400 km and goes up to ₹8,400 for 3AC over 3,500 km. The costliest 1AC ticket for the longest route charges ₹1.33 lakh. Here are fare details: - Up to 400 km: ₹960 (3AC), ₹1,240 (2AC), ₹1,520 (1AC) - Up to 800 km: ₹1,920 (3AC), ₹2,480 (2AC), ₹3,040 (1AC) - Up to 1,600 km: ₹3,840 (3AC), ₹4,960 (2AC), ₹6,080 (1AC) - Up to 2,000 km: ₹4,800 (3AC), ₹6,200 (2AC), ₹7,600 (1AC) - Up to 2,800 km: ₹6,720 (3AC), ₹8,680 (2AC), ₹10,640 (1AC) - Up to 3,500 km: ₹8,400 (3AC), ₹10,850 (2AC), ₹1.33 lakh (1AC) Officials confirmed these prices rise incrementally with distance traveled. The trains will sell confirmed tickets only. No RAC, waitlisted, or partial confirmations will be allowed. All berths will be available on the first day of advance reservation. Existing quotas for ladies, disabled persons, senior citizens, and duty pass holders remain unchanged. Duty pass eligibility matches Rajdhani trains. Only fully reimbursable duty passes are accepted. Tickets against free or concessional passes not reimbursed will not be allowed. All bookings are digital. The system automatically reserves lower berths for men over 60 and women over 45 when available. Children traveling without a berth get a lower berth depending on availability. The Railway Board shared these updates with zonal officials across India. The new trains aim to blend speed and comfort but come at premium costs and stricter booking rules.