Good news for dog parents who often prefer trains but struggle to find a convenient way to travel long distances with their fur friends. As per reports, Indian Railways has introduced a dedicated pet box facility in its Vande Bharat Sleeper trains. It’s a facility that allows passengers to transport pets in a designated enclosure rather than having them travel in ordinary passenger compartments.Seems like Vade Bharat trains are not only impressing with speed but also with their pet-friendly facilities. The facility is part of the design of the new-generation Vande Bharat Sleeper trainsets, which have been developed for comfortable overnight journeys. As per Indian Railways Year Book 2023-24, the 16-coach Vande Bharat Sleeper train design includes a separate luggage compartment with a capacity of 1.5 tonnes, along with a dog box facility.A video shared by travel creator Kailashi Yash Bajpai on Instagram account @explorewithkailashi, brought the facility into public attention. The video showed a cage-like enclosure with a latched door and separate holders for food and water.More about the dog box facility in Vande Bharat SleeperThe pet box is an enclosure incorporated into the train’s design to accommodate dogs during the journey. The Railway Board’s technical development details, published in the Indian Railways Year Book, specifically mention the dog box as part of the Vande Bharat Sleeper’s proposed configuration.The facility is particularly relevant for passengers travelling overnight with pets. It’s a helpful and thoughtful decision. Otherwise travelling with pets is a challenging task. Having a designated enclosure means owners have an additional option instead of depending entirely on the existing arrangements for transporting animals on conventional trains.However, there is an important distinction: the official railway document specifically mentions a dog box facility. It does not establish that cats and all categories of small pets are eligible to use it.Existing Indian Railways rules for travelling with pets
Dog facility (Canva)
Indian Railways already has provisions for passengers travelling with animals.According to the railway passenger information portal, dogs can be transported in a dog box in the brake van.Passengers travelling in First AC or First Class can take their dogs into their compartment, subject to the applicable conditions and consent of fellow passengers.The fare is charged at luggage rates based on a notional weight of 30 kg. For dogs travelling in passenger compartments, the applicable charge is based on 60 kg. Owners must also make arrangements for their pets’ food and water during the journey.Pets are not permitted in AC two-tier, AC three-tier, AC chair car, sleeper-class and second-class passenger compartments under the existing rules. The new dog box provision in Vande Bharat Sleeper trains is welcoming.Which Vande Bharat Sleeper trains have the facility?Indian Railways began regular operations of its first Vande Bharat Sleeper service, the Howrah-Kamakhya Vande Bharat Sleeper Express (27575/27576), on January 22, 2026.As the sleeper variant expands to more routes, the dedicated pet box provision could become an important consideration for passengers planning long-distance journeys with their animals.How can passengers book the dog box facility?Only those with a confirmed train ticket can book the facility. RAC and waitlisted tickets are not allowed.Additionally, as per India Today report, only one pet is allowed per PNR.Travellers have also been advised to check availability in advance, as the facility may not be available on every route.Documents requiredCertain specific documents are required at the parcel office:
- A veterinary fitness certificate, issued within 24 to 48 hours of travel
- Vaccination records
More inclusive train travelFor many people, pets are an integral part of their families, and leaving them behind during extended holidays, relocations or family visits can be difficult. The dedicated dog box facility is a step towards addressing this challenge.With Vande Bharat Sleeper trains being introduced on more long-distance routes, the provision could make rail travel more accessible to pet owners in future.
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