Pet Box Facility Introduced on Vande Bharat Sleeper Gets Mixed Reactions

Indian Railways has introduced a pet box facility on the upcoming Vande Bharat Sleeper train, aiming to make train travel easier for passengers travelling with pets. The new feature has caught public attention after visuals of the setup began circulating online, leading to mixed reactions from pet owners.

While many have welcomed the move as a step towards more pet friendly travel, others have raised questions about comfort and space, especially for long overnight journeys.

A short video shared online shows how the pet box has been designed inside the sleeper coach. “short video shared online” Click here: 

What is the pet box facility on Vande Bharat Sleeper?

The pet box is a separate, enclosed space provided inside the sleeper coach for pets such as dogs. It is cage-like in structure and comes with fixed food and water holders. The box can be securely closed to ensure pets remain safe throughout the journey.

The facility is meant to prevent inconvenience to other passengers while also offering a designated space for animals travelling with their owners. 

How can pet owners book the pet box?

Pet owners will need to book the pet box in advance. As per existing Indian Railways rules for travelling with pets: 

1. Passengers must have a confirmed train ticket
2. The pet must be registered at the parcel or luggage office at the boarding station
3. Booking is usually done a few hours before departure
4. Charges are levied similar to luggage fees

At present, Indian Railways has not released a detailed public guideline specific to the Vande Bharat Sleeper pet box, so passengers are advised to confirm availability and booking procedures at their station.

Documents required to travel with pets

Passengers travelling with pets are generally required to carry:

• A fitness certificate issued by a registered veterinarian
• Vaccination records of the pet
• Any additional documents requested by railway authorities at the time of booking
• These checks are carried out to ensure the safety of the animal and fellow passengers.

Why are pet owners divided?

The introduction of the pet box has sparked varied opinions online. Some pet parents have praised Indian Railways for acknowledging the needs of travellers with pets. Others, however, feel the space may be limited and want clearer information on ventilation, comfort, and monitoring during long journeys.

As the Vande Bharat Sleeper services expand and more passengers begin using the facility, feedback from actual travel experiences is expected to shape future improvements.