The Ministry of Railways has announced plans to manufacture nine additional Vande Bharat sleeper trains, following the successful long-distance trial of the first sleeper variant. Produced by the Integral Coach Factory (ICF), the Chennai-based manufacturing unit of Indian Railways, these premium trains are expected to be ready by December 2025 to enhance convenience and efficiency for long-haul travellers.
The first 16-coach train trial, conducted by the Research Designs and Standards Organisation (RDSO) on January 15, 2025, covered 540 km of the Mumbai-Ahmedabad section. ICF completed manufacturing the first train in December 2024 and tested it over short-distance runs of 30 to 40 km at a speed of 180 km/h.
Check out our story on Vande Bharat Sleeper Coaches and their amenities.
Vande Bharat sleeper trains: Features and future expansion
With a capacity to accommodate 1,128 passengers, the 16-coach train is divided into three classes: AC 1st Class, AC 2-Tier, and AC 3-Tier. Furthermore, the train has crash buffers, deformation tubes, and a fire barrier wall as safety features. Explore Vande Bharat sleeper trains in pictures here.
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Other features on the train include cushioned berths, onboard Wi-Fi, and comfortable seating. Before the official operationalisation of the trains begins, RDSO will evaluate the trial runs and issue a final certificate while the Railway Safety Commissioner assesses the train’s performance at its maximum speed.
Furthermore, the Indian Railways plans to produce 24-coach Vande Bharat sleeper trains, with full-scale manufacturing expected to commence between 2026 and 2027. The Hyderabad-based company Medha and global giant Alstom have been awarded contracts to supply propulsion systems for 33 rakes and 17 rakes, respectively, for these trains. The propulsion systems will be delivered over two years.
(Feature image credit: Ashwini Vaishnaw/X)
Related | Explainer: Understanding The Difference Between Vande Bharat And Vande Metro
The information in this article is accurate as of the date of publication.
Written By
Esha Dasgupta
Senior Digital Writer - Growth, TravelEsha is a traveller at heart, with a penchant for exploring the unchartered. She has previously worked ..Read More
