Indian Railways has officially unveiled the fare and reservation structure for its highly anticipated Vande Bharat Sleeper Express trains, marking a significant shift in long-distance overnight rail travel. A circular issued by the Railway Board on January 9, 2026, stipulates that these premium trains will operate with only confirmed tickets, entirely eliminating the provisions for Reservation Against Cancellation (RAC) or waitlisted tickets. All available berths will be open for booking from the commencement of the Advance Reservation Period (ARP). Under the new fare policy, passengers will be charged a minimum fare equivalent to a 400-kilometer journey, irrespective of the actual distance traveled. Base fares, excluding Goods and Services Tax (GST), are set at ₹2.4 per km for AC 3-Tier, ₹3.1 per km for AC 2-Tier, and ₹3.8 per km for AC First Class. Consequently, minimum fares for journeys up to 400 km will be ₹960 for 3AC, ₹1,240 for 2AC, and ₹1,520 for 1AC. Fares will increase proportionately with distance, with longer routes, such as those extending up to 3,500 km, seeing 1AC tickets priced as high as ₹13,300. These prices are noted to be slightly higher than existing premium trains like the Rajdhani Express. The first Vande Bharat Sleeper Express is slated for inauguration by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on January 17, 2026, connecting Howrah in West Bengal with Kamakhya (near Guwahati) in Assam. The train will offer upgraded facilities, including modern bedrolls and local cuisine served onboard. It has also been confirmed that there will be no VIP or emergency quotas; instead, standard reservation quotas will apply for women, senior citizens, persons with disabilities, and duty pass holders. This move aims to provide faster, more comfortable, and safer overnight travel options across India, positioning the Vande Bharat Sleeper as a benchmark for premium rail services.