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Delhi and Patna to Be Linked by India’s First Vande Bharat Sleeper Train in September 2025, Promising Semi-High-Speed Overnight Journeys, Modern Interiors, Premium Services, and Dynamic Fares Ahead of the Festive Season

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August 26, 2025

Delhi and Patna are set to be connected by India’s first Vande Bharat sleeper train in September 2025, a move driven by the growing demand for faster, more comfortable, and reliable overnight journeys on one of the nation’s busiest rail corridors. Designed to run at 160 km/h, the train will cut travel times while offering modern interiors, premium sleeper berths, upgraded catering, and dynamic fare options. The timing of the launch, just ahead of the festive season, reflects Indian Railways’ strategy to ease heavy passenger congestion during Diwali and Chhath, while also marking a major step in its push for railway modernisation.

Unlike the current chair car Vande Bharat services, the sleeper version has been built to accommodate long-haul overnight journeys, balancing speed with rest and convenience. This launch comes at a time when demand for premium yet affordable rail travel is at its highest, with millions relying on this corridor every year.

What Passengers Can Expect Onboard

The sleeper variant introduces a fresh standard of railway comfort and efficiency. Its interiors have been carefully designed to provide a hotel-like experience on wheels, blending functionality with aesthetics.

Key highlights include:

  • Spacious sleeper berths with modern layouts suitable for long journeys.
  • Redesigned interiors, promising a quieter, smoother, and more comfortable ride.
  • Premium catering services, introducing higher-quality meal choices.
  • Upgraded passenger facilities, such as improved air-conditioning, safer designs, and easy digital access for booking and onboard services.
  • Faster travel times, supported by a top speed of 160 km/h.

The train has already completed a successful trial and is undergoing final preparations at the Shakurbasti depot in Delhi, ensuring it is ready for operational deployment in September.

Fare Model and Dynamic Pricing

Indian Railways is positioning the sleeper train as a premium upgrade to existing services. Ticket prices are expected to be 10–15% higher than the Rajdhani Express, reflecting the improved services and reduced journey time.

To ensure fairness and flexibility, a dynamic fare system will be implemented. Prices will adjust depending on demand, with higher fares during peak seasons and more affordable options during off-peak travel. This approach is expected to make the service both sustainable for the railway and accessible for passengers across income groups.

Travel Boost During the Festive Rush

The debut of the sleeper train has been carefully timed to align with the festive season, traditionally one of the busiest travel periods in India. Alongside the new service, Indian Railways will operate around 12,000 special trains to and from Bihar during Diwali and Chhath.

By introducing both the sleeper service and seasonal trains, the railway network aims to reduce congestion, provide smoother travel, and ensure that more passengers can access reliable and timely services during these crucial weeks of movement.

Patna Metro Progress Adds to Momentum

Rail modernisation in Bihar is not limited to the Delhi–Patna corridor. The Patna Metro project is entering its final stages, with power trials already underway on its main corridor. Once operational, it will provide commuters within the city a faster and more efficient urban transit option.

The combined launch of the Vande Bharat sleeper and the metro corridor signals a significant infrastructure upgrade for Bihar, creating better long-distance connections while also improving day-to-day urban mobility.

Why the Delhi–Patna Corridor Matters

The Delhi–Patna route is considered one of the most essential rail links in India, with consistently heavy demand from both business and leisure travellers. The corridor’s overcrowded trains and limited premium services have long underscored the need for innovation.

By deploying the sleeper variant of the Vande Bharat here first, Indian Railways is addressing a pressing mobility challenge. The new service offers:

  • Time efficiency, reducing overnight journey hours.
  • Greater passenger comfort, especially for long-distance travel.
  • A premium alternative, bridging the gap between standard trains and air travel.

This initiative also reflects the wider national strategy to upgrade transport infrastructure, aligning with India’s ambition to modernise railways as part of long-term economic development.

Setting a New Benchmark

The sleeper train is more than just a new service—it represents a shift in how overnight rail journeys are imagined in India. Combining speed, comfort, safety, and digital-friendly features, it signals the future direction of long-distance train travel.

Passengers who once faced cramped compartments and limited amenities will now have an option that mirrors international standards, making rail travel a more attractive choice compared to flying. If successful, this model could be expanded to other high-demand corridors, reshaping the entire overnight train experience across the country.

Delhi and Patna will be connected by India’s first Vande Bharat sleeper train in September 2025, offering semi-high-speed overnight travel with modern interiors, premium services, and dynamic fares, timed to ease festive season demand and mark a step in railway modernisation.

The launch of the Delhi–Patna Vande Bharat sleeper train is set to redefine rail travel in India. With semi-high-speed capability, modern interiors, premium services, and smart pricing, it offers a blend of efficiency and comfort tailored for one of the nation’s busiest routes.

Combined with festive-season special trains and the progress of the Patna Metro project, passengers in Bihar will soon enjoy enhanced connectivity and travel convenience. The Vande Bharat sleeper marks not just the beginning of a new train service, but also a milestone in India’s journey towards a modern, world-class railway network.



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Travel slump: June sees a dip in number of Indian visitors in US; first decline since 2001 | India News

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NEW DELHI: The desi peak outbound travel month of June saw a decline in the number of Indian visitors to the US in 2025 over the previous year for the first time this Millennium — barring the Covid period. With 2.1 lakh Indians headed to America in June, the number was 8% lower than 2.3 lakh in same month last year, according to data from US commerce dept’s National Travel and Tourism Office (NTTO). The provisional figure for this July shows 5.5% fall over same month last year.Overall, the US has been seeing a decline in international visitors — and not just from India — in recent months. NTTO says total non-US resident international visitor volume to the US decreased 6.2% in June 2025 over June 2024; 7% in May; 8% in March; 1.9% in Feb. This Jan saw 4.7% increase over same period last year and April was up 1.3%.

Indians With Valid US Visas Can Now Easily Travel To Argentina Without Needing Any Additional Visa

India is the fourth largest source market for international visitors for the US. Since the two biggest source markets — Mexico and Canada — share a land border, India is the second biggest overseas source market with the UK being the biggest. “Combined, these top five source markets (with Brazil being the fifth) accounted for 59.4% of total international arrivals” this June, says NTTO.While travel industry biggies here say it is too early to pin the blame for fall in Indian visitor numbers on the stricter visa regime adopted by President Trump in his second presidency which has seen souring of India-US ties, the impact could be more pronounced going ahead if the same continues. The reason: US mostly issues 10-year validity multiple entry visitor and business visas (B1/B2) so people who already have the same can keep travelling. But if new visas get impacted for reasons like long appointment time or stricter issuance norms, then with a time lag the impact will be visible.“We are seeing a very visible impact on student segment this year due to delay in visa issuance even after people securing college admission. Historically, the biggest categories of visitors headed from India to the US have been visiting friends & relatives (VFR), business and students. The US was never a top leisure destination for Indians. That space has been led by Southeast Asia, Middle East and Europe. North America came after that. Right now apart from students we are not seeing a dramatic impact on the other segments but if new visa issuances are affected, they will also be hit with a certain time lag,” said a leading travel agent.With an Indian diaspora of over 50 lakh, the US sees great demand for travel from the India. NTTO data shows since the start of this Millennium, every June had seen a jump from same month in last year till 2025 broke that trend.April was a great month as far as outbound from India is concerned. According to Indian tourism ministry data, 29 lakh Indians travelled abroad this April with the maximum going to the UAE followed by Saudi Arabia, Thailand, Singapore and the US.“But after May and June, travel was severely impacted following the Pehelgam terror attack, closure of Pakistan airspace (which continues for Indian carriers & vice versa) and then the Air India Ahmedabad crash. So every destination, especially in the west, was impacted badly. The drop to the US may not be in isolation as fast as western destinations go,” said another travel biggie.





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Putin to travel to India in December; visit to focus on defence and energy ties

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Russian President Vladimir Putin will make an official visit to India in December, marking his first trip to the country since the outbreak of the Russia-Ukraine war in 2022, according to a report by AFP citing Kremlin officials.

The visit comes at a time of heightened tension between New Delhi and Washington, as U.S. President Donald Trump escalates pressure on India over its ongoing oil trade with Moscow. Earlier this month, the Trump administration announced an additional 25 percent tariff on Indian goods, bringing the total import duty to 50 percent. The U.S. has accused India of indirectly funding Russia’s war effort through discounted crude purchases.

India has strongly rejected the accusations and called the new tariffs hypocritical and unjust. Officials in New Delhi have emphasised that their oil procurement decisions are guided by market dynamics and national interest. India has also highlighted that several other major economies, including countries in Europe, continue to maintain significant trade ties with Russia but have not been targeted with similar penalties.

The Kremlin had initially announced that Putin had accepted an invitation from Prime Minister Narendra Modi to visit India earlier this year, but a date had not been confirmed. News of the December visit follows an upcoming bilateral meeting between Modi and Putin, scheduled to take place on September 1 on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit in Tianjin, China.

As India’s relationship with the U.S. faces new strains, its ties with Russia and China appear to be strengthening. The upcoming visit is expected to focus on bolstering cooperation across several sectors, including defence, energy, and trade.

Russia remains a key strategic and defence partner for India, with a relationship that dates back to the Soviet era. Moscow has publicly supported India amid U.S. tariff actions, calling the American measures “unjustified” and accusing Washington of “double standards.”

The Russian embassy recently stated, “If Indian goods cannot go to the U.S. market, they are welcome to Russia.”

 



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Weekly Horoscope Pisces, August 31-September 6, 2025: Work-related travel is foreseen | Astrology

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Pisces (Feb 20-Mar 20)

Weekly Horoscope Prediction says, avoid controversies

Look for happy moments in love and ensure you take up new roles at the office. Do not invest blindly and instead have a proper investment plan. Health is good.

Pisces Weekly Horoscope: Read our expert astrological predictions to find out what the stars have in store for you. (Freepik)

Be fair in your love life and consider taking risks at work. Despite the prosperity, you should be careful about the expenditure. Health is also on your side.

Pisces Love Horoscope This Week

Your relationship will be creative, but there may also be minor issues that demand attention. You should be ready to discuss the issues to settle them. Do not impose your concepts on the lover and instead provide the space to personally express your opinions. This will strengthen the relationship. You may also patch up with the ex-lover who had broken up on ego issues. Married females may get pregnant in the second half of the week.

Pisces Career Horoscope This Week

Pay attention to the details while handling a project. Be ready to face minor issues while settling professional issues, and clients must also be convinced about certain flaws or missing points in a project. Artists, authors, actors, musicians, and politicians will see more opportunities to prove their mettle. You may visit the client’s office, and your communication skills will be a major factor in winning a new contract. Some professionals will travel for job reasons and perhaps even to places abroad. The commitment, discipline, and integrity are unmatched.

Pisces Money Horoscope This Week

Wealth will be there, but you may have issues related to investments, especially in the stock market. Some females will win a part of the property through legal battle. Senior natives can also consider the division of property in the first half of the week. Businessmen will raise funds through promoters, while you may also expect good returns from the business. Avoid lending a large amount, as you may have issues getting it back.

Pisces Health Horoscope This Week

If you make any travel plans, try to go out to places that would make you feel more relaxed and rejuvenated. Female natives need to be careful about pain in joints, breathing issues, and migraine. Pregnant females need relief from office stress and should consider taking leave for a few days. Avoid heavy exercise and be careful while boarding a train or bus. It is good to be careful about the diet.

Pisces Sign Attributes

  • Strength: Conscious, Aesthetic, Kind-hearted
  • Weakness: Sentimental, Indecisive, Unrealistic
  • Symbol: Fish
  • Element: Water
  • Body Part: Blood Circulation
  • Sign Ruler: Neptune
  • Lucky Day: Thursday
  • Lucky Color: Purple
  • Lucky Number: 11
  • Lucky Stone: Yellow Sapphire

Pisces Sign Compatibility Chart

  • Natural affinity: Taurus, Cancer, Scorpio, Capricorn
  • Good compatibility: Virgo, Pisces
  • Fair compatibility: Aries, Leo, Libra, Aquarius
  • Less compatibility: Gemini, Sagittarius

By: Dr. J. N. Pandey

Vedic Astrology & Vastu Expert

Website: www.astrologerjnpandey.com

E-mail: djnpandey@gmail.com

Phone: 91-9811107060 (WhatsApp Only)



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