7 months ago
Indian Railways Amends Vande Bharat Sleeper Cancellation Rules
Indian Railways has changed the rules for canceling tickets on Vande Bharat Sleeper trains.
If you cancel your ticket at the last minute, you won't get any money back.
This new rule started on January 16, 2026.
The idea is to make sure people don't cancel their tickets too late, which can cause problems for other passengers.
The Vande Bharat Sleeper train, which started running on January 22, 2026, from Kamakhya to Howrah, is faster than other trains on the same route.
It takes 14 hours to travel between these two cities.
The train has different types of seats, and the prices are higher than other trains, but it has more comfortable seats and better safety features.
Some people think the prices are too high, but the railway says it's because the train is better.
Indian Railways has amended the refund policy for Vande Bharat Sleeper trains, effective January 16, 2026.
Passengers who cancel confirmed tickets at the last minute will not receive a fare refund.
The Vande Bharat Sleeper train began commercial operations on January 22, 2026, from Kamakhya to Howrah.
The train covers the 972-kilometer route in 14 hours, making it the fastest service on this route.
Fares for the Vande Bharat Sleeper are significantly higher than the existing Saraighat Express, with AC 3 at Rs 2,435, AC 2 at Rs 3,145, and AC 1 at Rs 3,855.
- Who
- Indian Railways
- What
- Amendment to refund policy for Vande Bharat Sleeper trains and commencement of commercial operations
- Where
- India, specifically Kamakhya to Howrah route
- When
- Effective from January 16, 2026; Commercial operations from January 22, 2026
- Why
- To discourage last-minute cancellations and modernize passenger rail services
Passenger Convenience
Railway Efficiency
Cancellation Policy
Passenger Convenience
Passengers argue that the new cancellation policy is harsh, especially for those who may have unforeseen circumstances close to their travel date.
Railway Efficiency
Railways maintain that the policy is necessary to prevent last-minute cancellations, which can disrupt scheduling and reduce efficiency.
Fare Comparison
Passenger Convenience
Passengers believe the fares for Vande Bharat Sleeper are too high compared to existing services like the Saraighat Express.
Railway Efficiency
Railway officials justify the higher fares by highlighting the enhanced amenities and safety features of the Vande Bharat Sleeper.
Key facts
- Date of Amendment
- January 16, 2026
- Applicable Trains
- Vande Bharat Sleeper Express
- Cancellation Charges
- 100% of fare if cancelled at the last minute
- Effective Date
- January 16, 2026
- Rule Source
- Railway Passengers (Cancellation of Ticket and Refund of Fare) Amendment Rules, 2026
- Fare AC 3
- Rs 2,435
- Fare AC 2
- Rs 3,145
- Fare AC 1
- Rs 3,855
- Route
- Kamakhya to Howrah
- Travel Time
- 14 hours
Timeline
Vande Bharat Express debuts, sparks demand for last-minute bookings.
Indian Railways responds: New feature enables booking up to 15 minutes before train arrival.
New rule: Cancel Vande Bharat Sleeper tickets at the last minute, face no refund.
Quotes
Senior Railway Official
A senior official from the Indian Railways
“Prospective passengers can book berths through IRCTC or other online platforms, as well as from physical counters, as the train's name and number have been added to the software system.”
telegraphindia.com
“By 2047, the Vande Bharat fleet is envisioned to scale up to around 4,500 train sets, aligned with India's long-term development goals.”
telegraphindia.com
Railway Ministry
The ministry responsible for railway operations in India
“It is designed to provide safe and comfortable overnight travel, with a total capacity of around 823 passengers.”
telegraphindia.com
Sources
Howrah-Kamakhya Vande Bharat Sleeper train ticket booking begins; check station-wise fare
No separate policy: Amrit Bharat II Express reserved tickets to be governed by Vande Bharat Sleeper norms
Vande Bharat Sleeper cancellation rules: You could lose 100% of your fare if you wait too long to cancel
Vande Bharat sleeper train to begin commercial operations from Kamakhya to Howrah on Jan 22
Vande Bharat sleeper train to start Kamakhya–Howrah services from January 22 - Telegraph India
