Indian Railways is set to revolutionize overnight train travel with the launch of the Vande Bharat Sleeper Train, an advanced version of the country’s fastest-growing train fleet. The high-speed sleeper train has successfully completed rigorous testing and is now ready to hit the tracks. According to a statement from the Press Information Bureau (PIB) of the Government of India, this train will redefine long-distance travel with its world-class facilities and top-notch safety features.
The Vande Bharat Sleeper Train has been a long-anticipated project, aiming to bring faster, more comfortable, and luxurious train journeys to passengers. The first 16-coach train successfully completed a 540-kilometer trial run between Mumbai and Ahmedabad on January 15, 2025, under the supervision of the Research Design and Standards Organization (RDSO). The Integral Coach Factory (ICF) in Chennai completed its production on December 17, 2024, and within weeks, the train was moved to Kota Division for additional short-distance trial runs. During these tests, the train achieved a top speed of 180 kmph, ensuring a smooth and stable ride. This marks a significant milestone in India’s railway modernization efforts, bringing world-class facilities to Indian Railways’ overnight services.
The railway ministry has ambitious plans to expand this project further. Between April and December 2025, nine additional Vande Bharat Sleeper Trains will be manufactured, setting a new benchmark for efficiency and passenger comfort. In a major move to boost local manufacturing, Indian Railways placed an order for 50 rakes of 24-coach Vande Bharat Sleeper Trains on December 17, 2024. The contract was awarded to two major Indian manufacturers, with a production timeline of two years. Medha Servo Drives Ltd. will supply propulsion systems for 33 train rakes, while Alstom India will manufacture propulsion systems for 17 train rakes. Looking ahead, the large-scale production of 24-coach Vande Bharat Sleeper Trains is set to begin in 2026-27, further strengthening India’s self-reliance in railway technology and pushing forward the Make in India initiative.
The Vande Bharat Sleeper Trains will offer passengers a luxurious, high-tech experience, with automatic sliding doors, cushioned berths, onboard Wi-Fi, fire-resistant partitions, and advanced safety features. The train will have 16 coaches divided into AC First Class, AC 2-Tier, and AC 3-Tier categories, with a total seating capacity of 1,128 passengers. Indian Railways has ensured that these sleeper trains will be just as comfortable as their chair car counterparts, offering a peaceful, noise-free, and ultra-modern journey.
Before the train becomes operational, the RDSO will analyze the trial runs and issue the final certification, while the Commissioner of Railway Safety (CRS) will evaluate its maximum speed capacity. Once approved, the Vande Bharat Sleeper Train will begin operations, introducing a new era of fast, efficient, and luxurious overnight train travel in India.
Bhupendra Singh Chundawat is a seasoned technology journalist with over 22 years of experience in the media industry. He specializes in covering the global technology landscape, with a deep focus on manufacturing trends and the geopolitical impact on tech companies. Currently serving as the Editor at Udaipur Kiran, his insights are shaped by decades of hands-on reporting and editorial leadership in the fast-evolving world of technology.
