Indian Railways set to roll-out ten 16-coach sleeper Vande Bharat Trains from April this year

New Delhi, India (Metro Rail Today): Indian Railways is ushering in a new era of high-speed luxury travel with the introduction of the Vande Bharat Sleeper Train Set. This state-of-the-art addition to the nation’s fastest-growing rail network is set to redefine overnight journeys, offering unparalleled comfort, speed, and innovation.

The first 16-car Vande Bharat Sleeper Train Set has successfully completed rigorous trials conducted by the Research Designs & Standards Organisation (RDSO) on January 15, 2025. The trial spanned a distance of 540 kilometers along the Mumbai-Ahmedabad corridor, marking a significant step forward in India's railway modernization. The train, manufactured by the Integral Coach Factory (ICF) in Chennai, was completed on December 17, 2024. Within two weeks, it was transported to the Kota division, where it underwent successful short-distance tests at speeds reaching 180 km/h over three consecutive days.

Scaling Up Production: Expanding the Vande Bharat Fleet

Following the successful prototype trial, Indian Railways has outlined an ambitious plan to roll out nine more Vande Bharat Sleeper Train Sets between April and December 2025. To support this large-scale production, an extensive order for propulsion electrics for 50 rakes of 24-car Vande Bharat Sleeper Train Sets was placed on December 17, 2024. The contract has been awarded to two leading Indian manufacturers:

• M/s Medha Servo Drives – Supplying propulsion systems for 33 rakes

• M/s Alstom Transport – Supplying propulsion systems for 17 rakes

Full-scale production of the 24-car Vande Bharat Sleeper Train Sets is expected to commence in 2026-27, reinforcing India’s commitment to self-reliance in railway technology.

Next-Gen Features: A New Benchmark in Rail Comfort

Vande Bharat Sleeper trains are designed to provide a world-class travel experience with cutting-edge features, including:

• Three-class configuration: AC 1st Class, AC 2-Tier, and AC 3-Tier

• Seating capacity: 1,128 passengers

• Safety enhancements: Crash buffers, deformation tubes, and fire barrier walls

• Luxury amenities: Automatic doors, cushioned berths, onboard WiFi, and an aircraft-inspired design

With the introduction of sleeper trains, passengers can now experience the same high standards that Vande Bharat Express has already brought to medium and short-distance travel. Currently, 136 Vande Bharat trains operate across the country, providing travelers with a premium rail experience.

Final Certification & Road to Operationalization

Before the official launch of India’s first Vande Bharat Sleeper Train, the RDSO will conduct a final certification based on extensive trial runs. Additionally, the Railway Safety Commissioner will evaluate the train’s performance at its maximum speed to ensure the highest safety standards are met.

As Indian Railways continues to push the boundaries of technological innovation, the Vande Bharat Sleeper Train Set stands as a testament to India’s vision for a modern, efficient, and passenger-friendly railway system. With luxury, speed, and safety at its core, this pioneering initiative is set to transform long-distance train travel for millions of passengers nationwide.