Indian Railways’ new Vande Bharat Sleeper trains are introducing a passenger-friendly design feature that could make overnight journeys more comfortable for travellers occupying berths near coach entrances.
In conventional AC 3-tier coaches, passengers sleeping close to the entrance often experience disturbances caused by people moving through the passage, vendors passing by and doors opening and closing repeatedly. The movement is particularly noticeable during overnight journeys, when passengers are trying to rest.
A recent Instagram video by travel content creator Dhananjay Kumar (@dailytravelhac1) highlights how the Vande Bharat Sleeper’s layout attempts to address this problem through a sliding door and additional space near the coach entrance.
The feature has attracted attention online, with passengers appreciating the focus on a relatively small but familiar inconvenience of overnight train travel.
Why Berths Near AC 3-Tier Coach Entrances Can Be Uncomfortable
In many conventional AC 3-tier coaches, some berths are located close to the entrance and toilet areas. Passengers occupying these berths may experience frequent movement throughout the journey.
The disturbance can come from several sources:
- Passengers entering and leaving the coach.
- Vendors and railway staff moving through the passage.
- Coach doors opening and closing.
- Noise and movement around the toilet area.
- Passengers standing near the entrance while waiting to move through the coach.
Although these issues are not necessarily experienced by every passenger, they can affect the comfort of those occupying berths closest to high-traffic areas.
The problem becomes more noticeable on overnight journeys, when uninterrupted sleep is particularly important.
What Is Different About the Vande Bharat Sleeper Design?
The Vande Bharat Sleeper introduces a different arrangement near the coach entrance.
In the Instagram video, Kumar points out two features:
1. Sliding door near the entrance
A sliding door is fitted near the coach entrance, creating a separation between the entry area and the passenger berth section. This arrangement is intended to manage movement around the entrance more effectively.
2. Additional space between the berths and the gate
The layout provides extra space between the entrance gate and the passenger berths. This means people entering or leaving the coach have a designated passage area rather than moving immediately alongside sleeping passengers.
The berths are positioned further away from the entrance, potentially reducing the disturbance caused by routine movement around the coach door.
Together, these design elements aim to improve the experience for passengers occupying berths near the entrance.
Vande Bharat Sleeper vs Rajdhani: Understanding the Difference
Rajdhani Express trains have been an important part of India’s premium long-distance rail network for decades. Vande Bharat Sleeper represents a newer generation of trainsets designed specifically for overnight travel.
The difference highlighted in the recent comparison is primarily the arrangement around the coach entrance.
| Feature | Conventional AC 3-tier layout | Vande Bharat Sleeper |
|---|---|---|
| Berths near entrance | Some berths may be close to the coach entrance | Berths are positioned further away |
| Entrance arrangement | Conventional entrance and passage layout | Sliding door near the entrance |
| Space near coach gate | Passenger movement may occur close to nearby berths | Additional space separates the gate from the berth area |
| Passenger movement | Can disturb passengers sleeping nearby | Layout aims to reduce disturbance |
| Overall design approach | Varies across coach generations and upgrades | New-generation sleeper coach design |
It is important to note that Rajdhani coaches are not all identical. Indian Railways has introduced upgraded Tejas Rajdhani coaches with improved interiors and passenger amenities. The comparison here focuses on the entrance-area arrangement rather than the overall comfort or quality of every Rajdhani service.
Other Passenger Amenities in Vande Bharat Sleeper
The entrance design is part of a wider set of features introduced in Vande Bharat Sleeper trains.
The modern sleeper trainsets include several facilities intended to improve the passenger experience:
- Ergonomically designed ladders for accessing upper berths.
- Improved air-conditioning and thermal insulation.
- CCTV cameras in coaches.
- Automatic plug doors and sealed gangways.
- Emergency talk-back facilities for communication with train staff.
- GPS-based passenger information systems.
- Fire detection and suppression systems.
- KAVACH safety technology.
The trains also feature upgraded interiors and passenger amenities designed for long-distance overnight journeys.
These developments combine passenger comfort with operational and safety-related improvements.
Why Small Design Changes Matter on Overnight Train Journeys
For passengers travelling long distances, comfort is not limited to the quality of mattresses or the availability of air-conditioning. The position of berths, movement around the coach, noise levels and access to facilities can all influence the overall journey.
A passenger occupying a berth near the entrance may experience a very different journey from someone sleeping towards the middle of the coach.
By creating more separation between the entrance and sleeping areas, Vande Bharat Sleeper’s design attempts to address one of these everyday concerns.
The feature has also generated discussion among railway passengers, with social media users suggesting that similar arrangements could be considered for other train services.
Ultimately, the new layout demonstrates how relatively small changes in coach design can contribute to a more comfortable overnight travel experience. Whether the arrangement significantly reduces disturbances in everyday operations will become clearer through passenger experience over time.
