Indian Railways has announced the launch of sleeper coach-enabled Vande Bharat Express trains starting March 2024, expanding the premium service beyond existing chair cars configurations. Initial routes will run between Delhi-Mumbai and Delhi-Howrah when inaugurated likely by April.
The upgraded trains boast higher speeds than conventional Rajdhanis eyeing improved travel times via enhanced propulsion efficiency. Prototypes housing 16-20 coaches with both AC and Non-AC sleeping berths are already set for requisite trials next month before induction.
Vande Bharat Metro, Network Growth Plans
The sleeper versions reinforce Railways’ ambition of elevating long-distance overnight journey experience for citizens through the Vande Bharat brand. With chair versions receiving encouraging reception already, the value-added services integrate advanced amenities keeping passenger comfort core.
Plans around the proposed Vande Bharat Metro catering to dense city clusters are also gathering stream to extend the inter-city service’s success to urban transportation. This comes as India expanded its railway network by a record 26,000 kilometers in 2023-24 alone aided by sharper project execution frameworks.
