Titagarh-BHEL JV launched Vande Bharat Sleeper Train Production Line in Kolkata

Kolkata, India (Metro Rail Today): In a major milestone for Indian Railways and the country’s rail manufacturing ecosystem, Titagarh Rail Systems Limited (TRSL), in collaboration with Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited (BHEL), inaugurated a cutting-edge production line for Vande Bharat Sleeper Trains at TRSL’s state-of-the-art manufacturing facility in Uttarpara, Kolkata, West Bengal.

The inauguration ceremony was attended by top officials from both companies, including Umesh Chowdhary, Vice Chairman & Managing Director of TRSL, and Bani Varma, Director at BHEL. The event marked the formal commencement of production under one of India’s most ambitious rail projects.

This development follows the awarding of a ₹24,000 crore contract by Indian Railways to a TRSL-BHEL consortium, tasked with the design, manufacture, and 35-year maintenance of 80 Vande Bharat Sleeper train sets. The project is a flagship initiative under the Make in India and Aatmanirbhar Bharat missions, aimed at boosting indigenous manufacturing and reducing dependence on imports.

India's First Sleeper-Configured Semi-High-Speed Train

The Vande Bharat Sleeper Train will be India’s first long-distance, semi high-speed train in a sleeper configuration. Unlike its chair-car predecessors, the sleeper variant is designed to redefine overnight intercity travel with fully indigenous engineering, superior passenger comfort, smart onboard systems, and enhanced safety.

Key features include:

• Modern coach layout for increased comfort and space

• Smart onboard systems with energy-efficient operations

• Advanced safety features ensuring high reliability

• Designed for speeds of up to 160 km/h, enabling faster long-distance travel

The first prototype of the Vande Bharat Sleeper Train is expected to be rolled out by 2026, with serial production to follow.

Industry 4.0-Driven Production Hub

The Uttarpara facility, where production is now underway, is a technological powerhouse. Built with Industry 4.0 capabilities, the plant features robotic production lines and advanced automation systems. Significantly, it is India’s only site equipped to manufacture both stainless steel and aluminium coaches under one roof, placing it at the forefront of modern rail manufacturing.

Currently, the unit has a production capacity of 300 coaches per year, which is being scaled up to 850 coaches annually to meet the rising demand for high-speed rail solutions.

Speaking at the launch, Umesh Chowdhary shared,

“This is a proud moment for the Titagarh Rail Systems-BHEL teams. The Vande Bharat Sleeper project is a shining example of what can be achieved when the public and private sectors come together with a shared vision. This production line reflects our commitment to building future-ready mobility solutions and contributing meaningfully to a more connected and self-reliant India.”

He further added that the facility is not just a step forward for TRSL and BHEL, but a giant leap for India’s rail infrastructure, opening the door to faster, safer, and smarter rail journeys for millions of Indians.

Transforming India's Rail Landscape

As the Indian Railways continues its transformation journey, the launch of the Vande Bharat Sleeper production line is set to be a game-changer. It aligns with national goals to modernize transport, boost domestic manufacturing, and create a sustainable, world-class rail network.

With the Vande Bharat Sleeper Trains expected to operate on key long-distance routes — including the much-anticipated Delhi–Howrah corridor — passengers can look forward to a faster, more comfortable, and distinctly Indian travel experience in the near future.

Stay tuned for more updates on the rollout and upcoming routes of these next-generation trains.