Wabtec Corporation awarded ₹839 crore contract for India's Vande Bharat Sleeper Train Project

Bengaluru, India (Rail & Metro Today): Wabtec Corporation has secured orders worth approximately US$94 million (₹839 crore) to supply critical onboard systems for Indian Railways’ Vande Bharat Sleeper train programme. The contracts cover braking systems, passenger doors and gangway solutions, supporting the development of India’s next-generation long-distance overnight passenger trains.

Announced on October 27, 2026, the orders will enable Wabtec to provide key train systems along with integration support, testing, commissioning and operational reliability support. The solutions are intended to improve train availability, simplify maintenance and strengthen passenger safety.

The contracts mark another step in the participation of global rail technology suppliers in India’s railway modernisation programme, which is increasingly focused on improving passenger experience, operational performance and the reliability of rolling stock.

Braking, Door and Gangway Technologies for Sleeper Trains

Under the agreements, Wabtec will supply three categories of onboard equipment: braking systems, passenger doors and gangway solutions. These components play an important role in the safe and efficient operation of modern passenger trains.

Braking systems are essential for controlling train movements and ensuring dependable stopping performance. Passenger door systems support safe boarding and alighting, while gangways provide protected passageways between coaches, enabling passengers and staff to move through the train.

Wabtec’s scope also includes integration assistance, testing and commissioning, alongside support focused on long-term operational reliability. These activities will be important in ensuring that the supplied systems work effectively with the trainsets’ wider onboard equipment and meet Indian Railways’ performance requirements.

“Our success reflects the strength of our technology, local manufacturing capabilities, and ability to meet the rigorous requirements of large-scale rail programs,” said Pascal Schweitzer, President of Wabtec Transit. He added that the company was focused on delivering the systems on schedule and supporting the introduction of a new generation of sleeper rail travel in India.

ICF to Manufacture 50 Vande Bharat Sleeper Trainsets

The Integral Coach Factory (ICF) in Chennai, a major production unit of Indian Railways, will manufacture 50 Vande Bharat Sleeper trainsets under the programme. Each trainset is designed with 24 coaches and is intended to extend the Vande Bharat platform beyond daytime intercity services into long-distance overnight travel.

The sleeper variant is expected to combine modern onboard technology with facilities designed for overnight journeys, responding to demand for comfortable and efficient rail travel over longer distances.

The programme involves coordination among Indian Railways, ICF, equipment suppliers and other stakeholders. Integrating braking, door and gangway systems into the trainsets will be an important part of manufacturing, testing and operational preparation.

Strengthening India’s Railway Modernisation

The Vande Bharat Sleeper programme forms part of India’s wider effort to modernise passenger rail services and develop domestically manufactured, technology-enabled rolling stock. Alongside train design and production, the reliability of onboard systems and the availability of maintenance support will be important to achieving consistent service performance throughout the fleet’s operational life.

For Wabtec, the orders reinforce its presence in India’s rail market and its role as a supplier of critical railway technologies. The company’s participation also highlights the importance of collaboration between train manufacturers and specialist equipment providers as Indian Railways scales up the production of advanced passenger trains.

As the Vande Bharat Sleeper programme progresses, the successful integration and commissioning of onboard systems will be crucial to delivering safe, dependable and comfortable overnight rail services across India.