New Delhi, Sept. 8 -- The Indian Railways is set to roll out the country's much-awaited Vande Bharat Sleeper Express just ahead of Diwali, with some reports suggesting the debut date is likely to be the end of September.

Unlike the existing Vande Bharat Express trains, which primarily offer chair-car services suited for daytime or short journeys, the new model has been designed specifically with overnight trips in mind, reported news channel CNBC.

The premium train designed for overnight journeys will connect Delhi and Patna via Prayagraj, reducing travel time to just 11.5 hours from the usual 12-17 hours, while offering passengers flight-like comfort at train-level fares.

The train is expected to halve journey times on long-distance s...