India is set to revolutionize overnight rail travel with the launch of the country’s first ever Vande Bharat Sleeper train in September 2025, Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw confirmed recently. This marks a significant expansion of the extremely popular Vande Bharat semi-high-speed series, ushering in long-distance sleeper travel with world-class amenities, speed, and safety features.
The new Vande Bharat Sleeper train is being manufactured by Bharat Earth Movers Limited (BEML) in collaboration with the Integral Coach Factory (ICF). It will consist of 16 coaches, including AC First Class, AC 2-Tier, and AC 3-Tier accommodations, collectively able to carry up to 1,128 passengers across comfortable sleeping berths.
Key Features and Amenities
This sleeper variant incorporates numerous passenger-friendly innovations:
- High Speed: Designed to run at speeds up to 180 km/h, dramatically reducing overnight travel times.
- Modern Comforts: AC coaches will feature USB-integrated reading lamps, hot water showers (available in First AC), touch-free bio-vacuum toilets, and modular pantry units.
- Enhanced Safety: The train will be equipped with India’s advanced Kavach anti-collision system, emergency braking capabilities, and anti-climbing technology.
- Accessibility: Specially designed accessible berths and toilets for differently-abled passengers.
- Technology: Real-time passenger information systems, CCTV surveillance, sensor-based interconnecting doors, and talk-back communication units between coaches to enhance security and convenience.
Operational and Maintenance Infrastructure
To support the new sleeper trains, a dedicated Vande Bharat Sleeper coach depot and maintenance workshop is under construction near Bengaluru. This facility will maintain the new trainsets, ensuring high operational readiness. Currently, ten such sleeper trains are under production, ready to expand India’s semi-high-speed rail footprint significantly.
Potential Routes
While routes are yet to be finalized officially, key corridors under consideration include major long-distance routes such as:
- New Delhi – Howrah
- New Delhi – Mumbai
- New Delhi – Pune
- New Delhi – Secunderabad
These routes will connect key metropolitan and economic hubs, offering a high-comfort overnight travel option that competes effectively with air travel on price and convenience.
Broader Impact
The Vande Bharat Sleeper train complements Indian Railways’ ambitious modernization plans under the Centre’s vision to transform railway travel nationally. Together with other initiatives like the Namo Bharat and Amrit Bharat projects, this sleeper train aims to elevate passenger experiences across the country.
Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw emphasized that Vande Bharat services cater especially to middle-class families seeking affordable yet luxurious travel alternatives. The sleeper train fares are expected to remain competitive, offering a new standard for Indian overnight rail journeys.
Conclusion
The launch of India’s first Vande Bharat Sleeper train in September 2025 promises to be a milestone in Indian Railways’ journey toward modern, safe, and comfortable train travel. Combining cutting-edge technology, speed, and passenger-centric amenities, this train is poised to redefine overnight rail journeys, making them faster, safer, and more enjoyable for millions of travelers.
Related Articles
Leave a Reply