Indian Railways is all set to take a major leap in passenger comfort and connectivity with the upcoming launch of Vande Bharat Sleeper trains. Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw recently announced that the sleeper version of the popular semi-high-speed Vande Bharat Express is ready to be rolled out soon.
The Vande Bharat Sleeper trains are designed to offer passengers a premium, high-speed overnight travel experience, with enhanced comfort, modern amenities, and safety features tailored for long-distance journeys. These new-generation trains are being built in India under the 'Make in India' initiative.
Key Highlights:
First Vande Bharat Sleeper train is expected to launch by March 2026.
Trains will run at speeds up to 160 km/h, similar to existing Vande Bharat chair car versions.
Designed for long routes such as Delhi-Mumbai, Delhi-Kolkata, and Mumbai-Chennai, providing faster overnight connectivity.
Coaches to feature modern sleeping berths, improved suspension, noise insulation, and luxury interiors.
Equipped with automatic doors, bio-vacuum toilets, CCTV surveillance, fire safety systems, and passenger information displays.
Enhanced Travel Experience
Unlike the current chair car Vande Bharat trains meant for day journeys, the sleeper version will cater to overnight travelers, offering first AC, second AC, and third AC options, providing a blend of speed, safety, and comfort never seen before in Indian Railways' sleeper class.
Manufacturing and Rollout
The manufacturing of the first Vande Bharat Sleeper trainsets is already underway at Indian production units like the Integral Coach Factory (ICF) in Chennai. The prototypes are expected to be tested extensively before public launch.
With the introduction of Vande Bharat Sleepers, Indian Railways aims to replace older Rajdhani-style trains, offering a world-class alternative for overnight journeys on India’s busiest routes.
This move marks a significant step toward modernizing the rail network and boosting the overall travel experience for millions of passengers across the country.