Indian Railways is changing the rules for canceling tickets on Vande Bharat Sleeper trains. Starting January 16, 2026, passengers who cancel confirmed tickets late won’t get any fare refunded. This new policy affects how refunds are handled compared to previous rules.
Here’s a clear breakdown of the cancellation charges for Vande Bharat Sleeper Express tickets:
- If you cancel more than 72 hours before the train leaves, you lose 25% of your fare.
- If you cancel 72 to 8 hours before departure, the charge goes up to 50%.
- No refund is available if you cancel within 8 hours of departure.
The Howrah-Kamakhya route will be the first for this sleeper service, spanning about 960 km in around 14 hours. It’s designed to make long-distance travel more comfortable and efficient.
To provide a bit of context, the introduction of the Vande Bharat Sleeper trains signals a significant shift in Indian Railways’ approach. Unlike the standard trains, these offer modern amenities and faster travel times, catering to the growing demand for better travel experiences.
In recent years, traveler feedback has pushed for improvements in train services. A survey by Indian Railways reported that over 70% of passengers preferred improved comfort and faster services. The launch of the Vande Bharat Sleeper is a direct response to these needs.
The sleeper service will run daily except for Wednesdays for the Kamakhya-Howrah route and Thursdays for the reverse route. This means more flexibility for travelers looking to book their seats. Given the popularity of India’s rail system, these changes are likely to be well received.
This initiative is just one of many as Indian Railways continues to upgrade its services. These changes might help enhance the travel experience and attract more passengers in the future.
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