Vande Bharat Sleeper Trains Roll Out Tough New Cancellation Policy
Indian Railways has unveiled a much stricter cancellation policy for its newly launched Vande Bharat Sleeper trains. This marks a clear departure from the refund rules that apply to regular long-distance and chair-car services. The revised policy comes just before these premium overnight trains begin regular commercial operations.
Immediate 25% Deduction for Any Cancellation
Unlike other trains where early cancellations attract minimal charges, any cancellation of a confirmed Vande Bharat Sleeper ticket will now lead to a 25% deduction. This applies even if the ticket is cancelled immediately after booking. Railway officials state the rule aims to discourage speculative bookings on these high-demand services.
Penalty Increases to 50% Closer to Departure
The penalty rises sharply if passengers cancel closer to their travel date. A 50% cancellation charge will apply if tickets are cancelled between 72 hours and eight hours before departure. This makes Vande Bharat Sleeper trains among the strictest in terms of refund rules across the Indian Railways network.
No Refund Within Eight Hours of Departure
Passengers cancelling their confirmed tickets within eight hours of scheduled departure will receive no refund at all. This represents a major change compared to other trains, where refunds are possible until four hours before departure under certain conditions.
Operational Changes Drive New Rules
Railway officials explain that the new cancellation framework links directly to operational changes. Reservation charts for Vande Bharat Sleeper trains will now be prepared eight hours before departure. This doubles the earlier four-hour timeline, leaving less room for last-minute cancellations and seat reshuffling.
Only Confirmed Tickets, No RAC Option
A key difference with Vande Bharat Sleeper services is that only confirmed tickets will be issued. There will be no Reservation Against Cancellation (RAC) option available. This means every cancelled ticket directly impacts capacity planning and revenue, prompting the implementation of stricter penalties.
How Rules Differ from Other Trains
For other trains, passengers face flat cancellation fees if tickets are cancelled early, followed by graded deductions closer to departure. In contrast, Vande Bharat Sleeper trains use percentage-based deductions. This makes cancellations significantly more expensive even days before travel.
Minimum Fare Distance Set at 400 Kilometers
The Railway Board has fixed a minimum chargeable distance of 400 kilometers for Vande Bharat Sleeper trains. This underlines their role as premium long-distance overnight services. Short-distance travel on these trains will not be economically viable under the new fare structure.
Limited Quotas and No General Reservations
Only select reservation categories will apply on these trains. These include women passengers, senior citizens, persons with disabilities, and duty pass holders. No other quotas or special reservations will be allowed. This approach ensures streamlined bookings and fewer vacant berths.
Premium Service Demands Firm Travel Commitment
With faster travel, modern sleeper coaches, and limited availability, Vande Bharat Sleeper trains position themselves as a premium product. Railway officials state the stricter cancellation policy aims to reduce last-minute dropouts and improve overall seat utilization. They emphasize that comfort now comes with greater commitment from passengers.
