Indian Railways is gearing up for a major upgrade to its premium train offerings with plans to introduce a 24-coach version of the Vande Bharat Sleeper. This move comes in response to strong passenger demand for enhanced long-distance services that combine comfort, speed, and capacity — bridging the gap between day-time premium and overnight travel options.
Bigger Train, More Berths
The latest proposal significantly increases seating and sleeping capacity compared with existing Vande Bharat Sleeper trains. The current 16-coach configuration offers around 823 berths, whereas the newly planned 24-coach train will have 1,224 berths, adding 401 more spaces for passengers. This jump aims to accommodate more travellers on busy overnight corridors.
Pantry Car and Passenger Comfort
A notable feature of the 24-coach design is the inclusion of a dedicated AC pantry car. This will enhance onboard catering, allowing passengers access to fresh meals and beverages on long journeys without relying solely on station vendors. Additionally, the train’s interiors will be designed with passenger comfort in mind, including ergonomically laid-out berths, improved luggage space, and modern amenities.
Design and Production Timeline
The 24-coach Vande Bharat Sleeper is currently in the design stage, with railway officials targeting rollout of a prototype by the end of 2026. Manufacturing is expected to take place at the Integral Coach Factory (ICF) in Chennai under the broader modernisation efforts of Indian Railways.
Enhanced Features and Onboard Services
While exact specifications are still being finalised, the proposed design includes a mix of AC classes — typically AC First Class, AC 2-Tier, and multiple AC 3-Tier coaches — along with modern passenger facilities such as vacuum toilets, charging points, and potential infotainment systems. Special care for accessibility, safety, and service delivery is also planned.
Strategic Importance
This expansion underscores Indian Railways’ efforts to modernise long-distance overnight travel, offering an alternative that combines the speed and comfort of premium trains with the space and utility needed for overnight journeys. The 24-coach Vande Bharat Sleeper could serve high-demand routes more efficiently, reduce travel stress, and attract more passengers to rail travel.
