Kinet’s Vande Bharat Sleeper Concept wins prestigious Italian A’ Design Award

New Delhi, India (Metro Rail Today): India’s railway design and manufacturing sector has received a major international recognition after Kinet Railway Solutions’ Vande Bharat Sleeper First AC compartment concept won the prestigious Bronze A’ Design Award 2026 in the Mobility and Transportation Design category. The globally acclaimed award recognises the project for its passenger-centric design philosophy, modern aesthetics, functionality, and contribution to next-generation rail travel experiences.

The award-winning concept reflects India’s growing capabilities in advanced rolling stock design and strengthens the country’s emergence as a global player in modern railway manufacturing and mobility innovation. The international jury praised the Vande Bharat Sleeper concept for its refined visual identity, thoughtful passenger comfort features, and emotionally engaging travel environment.

The First AC compartment design was first showcased during the International Railway Equipment Exhibition (IREE) 2025 and is closely aligned with the future serial production models planned for the Vande Bharat Sleeper trains, which are expected to redefine long-distance rail travel across Indian Railways.

Passenger-Centric Design Meets Modern Indian Identity

Developed by Kinet’s industrial design team, the Vande Bharat Sleeper First AC compartment has been conceptualised around the idea of creating a more intuitive, comfortable, and emotionally connected passenger experience. The interiors feature a combination of openness, privacy, and contemporary styling while incorporating practical elements aimed at improving overnight rail travel.

The design includes ergonomically integrated staircases for easy upper berth access, personal reading lights, USB charging points, compact storage solutions, and bedside-style utility spaces positioned beneath stair structures. Warm metallic finishes, soft colour palettes, premium textures, and subtle ambient detailing have been used to create a calm and welcoming atmosphere inside the compartment.

One of the most distinctive elements of the design is the integration of subtle cultural references inspired by traditional Indian block-printing art, developed in collaboration with local artists. These design details add a uniquely Indian identity to the interiors while maintaining a globally contemporary aesthetic.

Commenting on the achievement, Evgeny Maslov, Chief Industrial Designer of the Vande Bharat Sleeper Train Project, said the team aimed to create more than just a functional train interior.

“With the Vande Bharat Sleeper project, we wanted to go beyond simply designing a comfortable train interior. Our ambition was to help shape a new image for Indian Railways — modern, passenger-oriented, and emotionally connected to people. Public transport today reflects a country’s culture, identity, and everyday experience. We are proud that this vision has been recognised by the international jury,” he said.

Global Recognition for India’s Railway Modernisation

The A’ Design Award & Competition is regarded among the world’s most influential international design platforms, recognising excellence across hundreds of creative disciplines. The 2026 edition involved 312 jury members comprising leading designers, academics, media professionals, and industry experts from across the globe. The awards span 196 categories and involve participants and media partners from more than 100 countries.

Industry experts believe the recognition marks an important milestone for India’s railway sector as it increasingly focuses on combining engineering excellence with world-class passenger experience and industrial design standards.

Mrs. Mamta Shah, MD & CEO of Urban Infra Group, said, “This international recognition for the Vande Bharat Sleeper concept demonstrates how India’s railway sector is evolving beyond infrastructure expansion into global-class mobility design and passenger experience innovation. It reflects the growing maturity of India’s rolling stock manufacturing ecosystem and reinforces the country’s position in the future of modern rail transportation.”

Kinet Expands India’s Sleeper Train Manufacturing Ecosystem

Kinet Railway Solutions was established to manufacture and maintain 1,920 Vande Bharat Sleeper coaches in partnership with Rail Vikas Nigam Limited (RVNL) and Indian Railways. The company is playing a key role in supporting India’s railway modernisation strategy through advanced manufacturing, localisation, workforce development, and technology integration.

The company currently operates a modern manufacturing facility in Latur along with an engineering centre in Hyderabad. A dedicated maintenance depot is already under construction in Jodhpur, while additional facilities are planned in Delhi and Bengaluru to support the future Vande Bharat Sleeper fleet.

As Indian Railways accelerates the rollout of next-generation trainsets and premium passenger services, the award-winning Vande Bharat Sleeper design is expected to become a symbol of India’s ambitions in creating world-class railway systems that combine speed, comfort, technology, and cultural identity.