Indian Railways is looking to roll out the first Vande Bharat sleeper train in the coming weeks. The prototype train set, built on the Vande Bharat platform, for long distance travel aims to offer faster and more comfortable passenger experience compared to the Rajdhani Express trains.Union railways minister Ashwini Vaishnaw has informed the Rajya Sabha that plans for Vande Bharat Sleeper trains were in place for extended and intermediate distance travel. The Indian Railways has completed the train design, with a total of 10 train sets expected to be rolled out by the end of this financial year. Chennai’s Integral Coach Factory has undertaken production of 50 additional Vande Bharat Sleeper rakes. Technology partners have received contracts to produce 200 more Vande Bharat Sleeper rakes.
Vande Bharat Sleeper Train Routes
According to an ET report, the first Vande Bharat Sleeper service is expected to commence operations from Delhi. Indian Railways officials have indicated that the service will connect destinations approximately 1,000 kilometres away from Delhi, with potential routes to Ahmedabad, Bhopal and Patna via Varanasi.
Vande Bharat sleeper features
“The primary focus is to improve availability of trains on high demand routes,” a senior official told ET, adding that a final decision on the routes will be taken soon.
Vande Bharat Sleeper Trains: Features, Speed & More
Indian Railways plans to deploy sleeper train sets on the Vande Bharat platform, with specifications for maximum speeds of 180 km per hour and operational speeds of 160 km per hour. “The service will be launched in the coming weeks,” the official was quoted as saying.
- The prototype Vande Bharat sleeper train features 16 passenger coaches, comprising 11 AC 3 tier coaches, 4 AC 2 tier coaches, and one AC First class coach.
- The features include specialised night illumination, integrated announcements with visual displays, CCTVS, modular pantry units.
- Taking inspiration from European rail systems, the Vande Bharat sleeper provides enhanced comfort with well-equipped coaches and cushioned berths. The upper berth access has been redesigned for easier climbing.
- The train features modern bio-vacuum toilets similar to aircraft systems. It includes accessible facilities for disabled passengers with infant care stations. The AC First class includes shower facilities with hot water provision.
- The trains are equipped with the indigenous KAVACH anti-collision system. They utilise regenerative braking technology for optimal energy usage.
- The coaches include automatic interconnecting doors. The passageways are sealed completely to maintain clean air and effective temperature control.
- Each coach provides individual reading lights, charging points, refreshment tables, and GFRP panel interiors. The doors function automatically at designated stops.
- The train employs a Centralised Coach Monitoring System for amenity management. Emergency communication systems connect passengers with the driver. Each coach is equipped with CCTV cameras for surveillance.
Currently, 150 chair car variant Vande Bharat train services operate across India. These domestically produced contemporary trains offer increased speed but operate only during daytime. The introduction of sleeper variants will enhance passenger comfort during night-time travel.The occupancy rates for Vande Bharat Express trains reached 102.01% in 2024-25, whilst achieving 105.03% in the initial quarter of the current fiscal year.The Indian Railways is also producing approximately 17,000 general and non-air-conditioned coaches in the next five years. Vaishnaw noted that the quantity of general class coaches has notably increased in recent years.
