Vande Bharat 2.0 - Sleeper Coaches, last minute booking and full occupancy.

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The Vande Bharat Sleeper Coach, unveiled in September 2024 at BEML Bengaluru, is designed for overnight journeys with 16 coaches (11 AC 3-tier, 4 AC 2-tier, 1 AC 1st-class) for 823 passengers. It offers wider berths, hot showers, USB charging, and KAVACH safety. Trials at 180 km/h were completed in January 2025, with commercial runs starting September 2025.

Indian Railways has introduced a groundbreaking 15-minute booking facility for Vande Bharat Express trains, allowing passengers to book tickets as late as 15 minutes before departure, enhancing flexibility for last-minute travelers. This update, rolled out in 2025, applies to select Vande Bharat routes and is accessible through the IRCTC app and website, streamlining the booking process with real-time seat availability. The initiative caters to the high demand for these semi-high-speed trains, which boast over 100% occupancy on popular routes. However, passengers are advised to check specific station and train eligibility, as the feature is limited to certain Vande Bharat services and excludes peak travel periods to ensure operational efficiency.

Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw has highlighted significant updates on Vande Bharat Express occupancy, emphasizing its overwhelming demand and operational success. As of July 2025, 144 Vande Bharat train services are operational across India, connecting all states with broad-gauge electrified networks. Vaishnaw noted that the trains have achieved an average occupancy of 102.01% in FY 2024-25, increasing to 105.03% in FY 2025-26 (up to June 2025), with specific routes like Puri-Rourkela reaching up to 127.64% occupancy. He attributed this to the trains' modern amenities, speed, and positive passenger feedback, driving increased demand from states.