After months of anticipation, India’s first Vande Bharat Sleeper train is finally ready to roll out in September, according to Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw. The minister made the announcement during an event in Gujarat, emphasizing how trains like Vande Bharat, Amrit Bharat, and Namo Bharat are reshaping India’s railway infrastructure.
The new sleeper variant follows the success of the Vande Bharat chair car services already running on multiple routes across the country.
High-Speed Comfort for Overnight Travel
The Vande Bharat Sleeper is being built by BEML using Integral Coach Factory (ICF) technology and will feature 16 coaches—including AC First Class, AC 2-Tier, and AC 3-Tier. It can accommodate 1,128 passengers and clock speeds up to 180 kmph, making it one of the fastest overnight services in India.
The train aims to revolutionise long-distance rail travel with features like:
- Integrated reading lights and USB charging
- Automated announcement and visual information systems
- CCTV surveillance for safety
- Modular pantries for food service
- Disabled-friendly berths and toilets
- Hot water showers in First AC coaches—a first for Indian Railways
Bengaluru to Get Dedicated Vande Bharat Sleeper Depot
To support the rollout and upkeep of these trains, a dedicated Vande Bharat Sleeper coach depot and workshop is being developed near a railway station in Bengaluru. The facility will be overseen by South Western Railway’s Bengaluru Division and is expected to be operational by early next year.
Ten Vande Bharat Sleeper trains are currently under production in Bengaluru by BEML and ICF. These new additions will boost India’s overnight rail connectivity, especially with six Vande Bharat chair car trains already operating from the city.
Two New Passenger Terminals Also Planned
To further enhance passenger experience, Indian Railways is planning two new passenger terminals near Devanahalli and Nelamangala, after dropping its earlier plan for Whitefield due to land limitations.
These developments are part of Indian Railways’ broader modernization drive aimed at delivering faster, safer, and more comfortable train journeys for the public.
