India is set to launch its first-ever Vande Bharat Sleeper train, with Kerala hosting this historic development. The train will run between Thiruvananthapuram and Mangaluru, signalling a significant upgrade in Indian Railways’ efforts to modernize long-distance travel and improve inter-regional connectivity. Spearheaded by Northern Railway, this initiative is part of a broader plan to transform the country’s rail infrastructure by focusing on speed, passenger comfort, and convenience.
Vande Bharat Sleeper Trains to Boost Cross-Country Comfort and Connectivity
Additional sleeper routes like Thiruvananthapuram–Bengaluru and Kanyakumari–Srinagar are also in the pipeline, aiming to boost cross-country accessibility and efficiency. These sleeper trains are designed to meet the rising demand for more comfortable, time-saving travel options across India’s vast geography.
The Vande Bharat Sleeper train is being jointly developed by the Integral Coach Factory (ICF) in Chennai, responsible for design, and Bharat Earth Movers Limited (BEML), leading manufacturing. This air-conditioned 16-coach train will accommodate up to 1,128 passengers and is specifically tailored for enhanced overnight comfort.
Vande Bharat Sleeper Trains to Redefine Overnight Travel by 2027
Each coach will feature ergonomically designed berths, improved lighting, and a GPS-enabled LED display for real-time updates. Accessibility is a key focus, with facilities for persons with disabilities, including special berths and toilets. The train will also offer modern features like automatic doors, a modular pantry for food service, and the Kavach safety system to ensure secure operations.
While chair car versions of the Vande Bharat trains are already in use, efforts are underway to develop sleeper variants. Sixteen existing chair car trains will be converted using ten available rakes, and ICF has been assigned to produce 50 new sleeper trains, in addition to ten already in development. These upgraded trains are expected to be fully operational by 2026–27, ushering in a new era of high-speed, comfortable overnight rail travel in India.
Summary:
India’s first Vande Bharat Sleeper train will launch between Thiruvananthapuram and Mangaluru, offering high-speed, overnight travel with modern amenities. Developed by ICF and BEML, the 16-coach train focuses on comfort, accessibility, and safety. Fifty new sleeper trains are expected by 2026–27, enhancing long-distance rail connectivity across the country.
