India’s first Vande Bharat Sleeper train has caught public attention once again—this time not for speed or design, but for a small yet significant comfort upgrade: removable blanket covers.
Designed for overnight, long-distance journeys, the Vande Bharat Sleeper marks a clear departure from earlier seating-only Vande Bharat services. It blends modern train technology with the practicality of traditional night travel, offering fully air-conditioned sleeper berths and upgraded onboard amenities.
Viral video explains the change
A recent Instagram reel by travel vlogger Sukant Shaw, shot on the inaugural Howrah–Kamakhya (Guwahati) route, shows the premium linen kit provided to passengers. The video highlights a blue-and-green printed blanket cover, distinct from the plain blankets commonly used on Indian trains.
The vlogger explains that passengers have long raised concerns about hygiene and reused blankets. To address this, Indian Railways has introduced removable and washable blanket covers exclusively for the Vande Bharat Sleeper.
The cover shown in the video carries the official logo of the Northeast Frontier Railway, confirming its official rollout on the route.
What’s included in the linen kit
The removable blanket cover is part of a premium linen kit, which includes:
- A blanket with a washable cover
- Bedsheet
- Pillow with cover
- Hand towel
The covers can be changed and cleaned between passengers, addressing long-standing hygiene concerns in overnight train travel.
Key features of Vande Bharat Sleeper
- Fully air-conditioned sleeper train with 1A, 2A and 3A coaches
- Modern, cushioned berths for better overnight comfort
- Higher average speeds than conventional sleeper trains
- Automatic doors and sealed gangways to reduce noise and dust
- Bio-vacuum toilets and improved hygiene standards
- Charging points, reading lights and digital information displays
- CCTV surveillance and enhanced safety systems
- Onboard catering included in the ticket fare
Fares and onboard meals
Vande Bharat Sleeper fares are positioned higher than Rajdhani or regular mail/express trains, reflecting its premium service. Tickets are confirmation-only, with no RAC facility, and include meals.
Meals are curated for overnight comfort, featuring region-inspired dishes from Bengal and Assam, with light, balanced options such as rice preparations, lentils, vegetables and traditional sweets.
Why this matters
While the removable blanket cover may seem like a small detail, it reflects a broader shift towards passenger comfort, hygiene and premium rail travel. The viral video shows how even minor improvements can resonate strongly with travellers and shape public perception of modern Indian railways.