In a significant move to enhance long-distance rail travel in India, the Indian Railways is all set to introduce the first Vande Bharat sleeper trains by July 2025. Designed for overnight journeys, these trains will combine the comfort of traditional sleepers with the speed and efficiency of the semi-high-speed Vande Bharat series. A total of 30 such trains are expected to be operational by the end of FY 2025–26.
The introduction of Vande Bharat sleeper trains marks a major upgrade in Indian Railways’ infrastructure and passenger amenities. The sleeper variant will feature modern interiors, improved suspension technology for smoother rides, and enhanced safety features. The coaches are being developed under the “Make in India” initiative, with manufacturing taking place at the Integral Coach Factory (ICF) in Chennai, BEML, and other production units.
The new trains are expected to operate at a top speed of 160 km/h, enabling faster overnight journeys across major routes like Delhi–Mumbai, Delhi–Howrah, and Bengaluru–Hyderabad. The design includes three classes—AC First Class, AC 2 Tier, and AC 3 Tier—offering better privacy, wider berths, ambient lighting, and noise-reduction technology.
Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw recently confirmed that the rollout is on schedule. “Trial runs have been successful, and passengers can expect world-class sleeper coaches from next month. We aim to deliver 10-15 trains initially, with a total of 30 trains operational by the end of the next financial year,” he stated.
These trains are being equipped with state-of-the-art amenities such as automatic doors, bio-vacuum toilets, infotainment systems, and better air-conditioning. Passenger feedback from the earlier Vande Bharat chair car versions has played a key role in refining the sleeper coach design.
The sleeper version is also aimed at reducing the load on premium services like Rajdhani and Duronto Express, offering an upgraded yet affordable alternative for overnight travel. It aligns with Indian Railways’ larger vision of providing fast, safe, and comfortable travel options while modernizing the country’s rail ecosystem.
Industry experts believe the introduction of Vande Bharat sleeper trains will set a new benchmark for overnight rail journeys in India. Given the massive demand for long-distance trains, especially on popular metro routes, the sleeper variant is poised to attract a large segment of the traveling population.
