India’s First Vande Bharat Sleeper Train: Launch, Features & What to Expect

Indian Railways intends to revamp the long-distance overnight experience with the anticipated debut of the Vande Bharat Sleeper Train. Following the triumphant introduction of the Vande Bharat Express for daytime journeys, the sleeper version is scheduled to come to rail by 2025. Promising to bundle speed, safety, and comfort to facilitate a different kind of overnight train excursion in India.

This sleeper train is being constructed by BEML (Bharat Earth Movers Limited) in cooperation with Indian Railways. The Vande Bharat sleeper train will be designed to run at speeds of up to 160 km/h; this will reduce travel time on important long-distance routes. The trains will be built with aerodynamic nose cones, smart lighting, and aircraft-style aluminium coaches that will ensure high speed and better energy efficiency. The trains will be built with aerodynamic nose cones, smart lighting, and aircraft-style aluminium coaches that will ensure high speed and better energy efficiency.

Premium Features and Comfort

The Vande Bharat Sleeper will run AC First-, Second-, and Third-Class coaches fitted with wider berths, modern toilets, automatic doors, and cabins that do not carry noise from the rest of the train. Each compartment will have reading lights, charging ports via USB, Wi-Fi, and infotainment, elevating the passenger experience. In terms of safety, the coaches will have anti-collision technology called 'Kavach', CCTV cameras, and fire detection technology.

The trains will also have bio-vacuum toilets with touchless fittings, as well as wheelchair-friendly spaces with braille signs, making the experience accessible and hygienic.

Launch Timeline and Routes

According to officials and media reports, the prototype is being tested, and a full launch is proposed by March 2025. To begin with, the sleeper variation will replace some premium services, such as the Rajdhani Express on busy routes such as Delhi-Mumbai, Delhi-Howrah, and Bangalore-Chennai. 

The Vande Bharat Sleeper train represents a significant milestone in India's journey towards smart, comfortable, modern railway infrastructure and promises a premium travel experience for millions of night travellers.