A New Chapter in Indian Railways
Indian Railways is preparing to roll out a brand-new experience for long-distance travelers—the Vande Bharat Sleeper Train. This new version of the popular Vande Bharat Express will come with sleeper coaches, so passengers can travel overnight in comfort and style.
The first Vande Bharat Sleeper rake has been built by Bharat Earth Movers Limited (BEML) using technology from the Integral Coach Factory (ICF) in Chennai. At the same time, Kinet Railway Solutions, a joint venture between Rail Vikas Nigam Limited (RVNL) and Russia’s TMH Group, is also working on 120 more sleeper trains from its factory in Latur, Maharashtra.
Together, these two projects mark a big step forward in India’s goal to modernize overnight train travel with world-class design and comfort.
What Makes the Vande Bharat Sleeper Special
Each Vande Bharat Sleeper will have 16 coaches—including 11 AC 3-tier, 4 AC 2-tier, and 1 AC first-class coach. The total seating and sleeping capacity is expected to be around 823 passengers.
This new train has been designed to provide both luxury and efficiency. It’s a self-propelled train, which means it doesn’t need a separate engine. This design allows it to accelerate faster, run smoother, and reduce travel time compared to traditional trains like the Rajdhani Express.
Before passengers get to experience it, the train will undergo rigorous safety and performance trials by the Research Designs and Standards Organisation (RDSO). These tests will make sure it meets all safety standards before being introduced to the public.
Designed for Comfort and Safety
The Vande Bharat Sleeper is being built with the passenger experience in mind. Here’s what travelers can expect once it’s launched:
1. Modern Interiors
The coaches feature aircraft-style interiors, giving a clean and premium look. The gangways (the spaces between coaches) are fully sealed, keeping out dust and noise. The lighting, walls, and ceilings have been designed to make the compartments look bright and spacious.
2. Comfortable Berths
Each berth comes with extra cushioning, reading lights, and charging points. The beds are wider and softer, making them more comfortable for sleeping on long journeys.
3. Smart Features
Passengers will enjoy automatic doors, Wi-Fi, and digital display boards for information. There will also be public announcement systems and modular pantries to provide food and refreshments.
4. Accessibility for All
Special berths and washrooms are being designed for differently-abled passengers, making sure the train is inclusive and easy to use for everyone.
5. Built-in Safety
The train will include the Kavach anti-collision system, fire-resistant materials, and a crashworthy coach design to protect passengers in emergencies.
Built by BEML and Kinet: Two Teams, One Goal
Indian Railways is using a dual-manufacturing model to speed up production.
BEML, based in Bengaluru, has already built the first prototype. It uses design inputs and safety standards from ICF Chennai.
Kinet Railway Solutions, the India-Russia joint venture, will build 120 sleeper trains at its factory in Latur, Maharashtra.
This partnership will help roll out more trains faster, so passengers in different parts of the country can enjoy them sooner. Once trials are complete, the first trains are expected to run on busy routes like Delhi–Patna and later on other long routes such as Delhi–Bengaluru and Mumbai–Chennai.
Estimated Vande Bharat Sleeper Fare
The most asked question about the new train is, how much will the ticket cost?
Official fares have not yet been announced, but early reports suggest that Vande Bharat Sleeper ticket prices will be around 10–15% higher than Rajdhani Express fares for similar routes and classes.
This slight premium is expected because the train offers a much better travel experience — faster speed, improved safety, cleaner interiors, and greater comfort.
Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw has also assured passengers that the Vande Bharat Sleeper will remain affordable for middle-class families. The goal is to make luxury train travel accessible, not exclusive.
Trial Runs and Testing
Before passengers step onboard, the Vande Bharat Sleeper will go through extensive testing. These tests will include:
Speed trials to check stability and comfort at high speeds.
Oscillation trials to ensure the train runs smoothly on curves and uneven tracks.
Brake and safety tests to confirm that systems like Kavach work correctly.
Once these trials are cleared, Indian Railways will approve the train for commercial service. The first set of routes and schedules will then be announced.
Why It Matters: A Big Leap for Indian Railways
The Vande Bharat Sleeper is more than just another train—it’s a symbol of how far Indian Railways has come in a short time.
From the launch of the first Vande Bharat Express in 2019 to now designing sleeper versions, the railways have shown strong progress in speed, safety, and design. These trains will replace older overnight services like the Rajdhani and Duronto over time, bringing consistent speed and comfort across India’s railway network.
Apart from better passenger experience, these trains will also reduce journey time, improve energy efficiency, and lower maintenance costs due to their modern technology.