In a major step towards transforming India’s premium train travel, Kinet Railway Solutions — a joint venture between India and Russia — is set to unveil the design of the First AC coach of the Vande Bharat Sleeper Train next week. This milestone marks the beginning of a new era in long-distance rail travel, combining luxury, comfort, and high-speed technology.
Indo-Russian Collaboration for Next-Gen Rail Innovation
The Vande Bharat Sleeper project is being developed under an Indo-Russian partnership aimed at producing world-class train sets equipped with cutting-edge safety and passenger comfort features. Kinet Railway Solutions is manufacturing these coaches at the Chennai-based Integral Coach Factory (ICF), which has already produced multiple variants of the successful Vande Bharat Express trains.
Luxury and Comfort Redefined
Unlike the current chair-car versions of Vande Bharat, the upcoming sleeper variant will offer First AC, Second AC, and Third AC accommodations with modern amenities designed for overnight journeys. The interiors will include ergonomic sleeping berths, automatic temperature control, personalized reading lights, Wi-Fi connectivity, noise reduction features, and enhanced privacy partitions.
Speed, Safety, and Sustainability
Built with an emphasis on high-speed performance and safety, the Vande Bharat Sleeper Train will operate at speeds up to 160 kmph, reducing travel time between major cities. The design also focuses on energy efficiency, low maintenance costs, and improved suspension systems to ensure smoother rides.
Expanding India’s Global Footprint in Rail Manufacturing
The introduction of the Vande Bharat Sleeper variant underscores India’s ambition to become a global rail manufacturing hub. The government aims to deploy these trains on key long-distance routes, eventually replacing older Rajdhani and Duronto trains.
The collaboration with Russia not only enhances bilateral industrial cooperation but also strengthens India’s Make in India initiative, paving the way for export-ready, next-generation rail technology.
With the unveiling scheduled for next week, rail enthusiasts and passengers alike are eagerly awaiting a first look at what could soon become India’s most advanced and comfortable sleeper train.
