Indian Railways is gearing up to roll out a game-changing upgrade for night-time train journeys. In a move that promises to redefine long-distance travel in the country, the Ministry of Railways has announced plans to launch 10 Vande Bharat Sleeper Trains in the 2025–26 financial year. This development marks a major step in extending the premium experience of Vande Bharat Express beyond daylight hours.
Vande Bharat Sleeper Trains: What’s the Plan?
According to a senior Railway Ministry official quoted by ET Now, the production of the Vande Bharat Sleeper trains has been entrusted to BEML (Bharat Earth Movers Limited). The first set is expected to be track-ready by end of 2025, subject to final approval by the Railway Board.
These sleeper trains are designed to match international standards in terms of comfort, safety, and technology—offering a world-class overnight travel experience to Indian passengers.
Proposed Routes for Vande Bharat Sleeper Services
While Indian Railways has yet to officially confirm the routes, reports suggest that the sleeper variants will operate on some of India’s busiest and longest-distance corridors. Likely candidates include:
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New Delhi–Howrah
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Sealdah–New Delhi
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New Delhi–Pune
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New Delhi–Mumbai
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New Delhi–Secunderabad
These routes currently experience high demand for overnight travel, making them ideal for the debut of a premium sleeper alternative.
Who’s Building the Vande Bharat Sleeper?
Three major consortiums have been tasked with the production of 210 sleeper trainsets:
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BEML
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Kinet Railway Solutions Limited
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Titagarh Rail Systems–BHEL Consortium
Each set will include cutting-edge features and a robust design tailored for long-distance travel in Indian conditions.
Key Features of the Vande Bharat Sleeper
The upcoming Vande Bharat Sleeper trains won’t just be an upgrade in speed—they aim to elevate the entire travel experience. Key highlights include:
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16 coaches per train
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Austenitic stainless steel body for enhanced durability
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Advanced crash safety systems
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Passenger capacity of 823 across various classes
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Configurations in First AC, Second AC, and Third AC
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Luxurious interiors with modern amenities for a premium overnight journey
A New Era for Indian Railways
If the plan progresses as scheduled, Vande Bharat Sleeper trains will represent a significant leap in India’s push toward a faster, safer, and more comfortable rail network. For passengers, this means shorter travel times, better onboard facilities, and a more restful journey—especially during overnight trips.
With this initiative, Indian Railways not only extends the Vande Bharat legacy but also takes another step toward modernising the country’s railway infrastructure.
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.
