Indian Railways has introduced dedicated pet boxes in the design of the upcoming Vande Bharat sleeper trains, marking a significant step towards pet-friendly long-distance travel. The move aims to address long-standing concerns of passengers travelling with pets on overnight journeys.
Officials said the pet boxes have been designed to ensure the safety and comfort of animals during travel. These designated spaces are intended to reduce stress for pets while maintaining hygiene and safety standards inside the train.
Railway sources indicated that guidelines will be put in place for the use of pet boxes, including eligibility, booking procedures and animal welfare norms. The system is expected to bring more clarity and structure to pet travel, which has often been a challenge under existing rules. The initiative reflects Indian Railways’ efforts to modernise train travel while responding to evolving passenger expectations. Once operational, the pet boxes are expected to make overnight rail journeys more convenient for pet owners.