India is preparing to add a new chapter to its semi-high-speed train journey with the Vande Bharat Sleeper Express, now under development at the Marathwada Rail Coach Factory in Latur, Maharashtra. The first fully built sleeper rake is expected to be ready by June 2026, according to factory officials.
Car Body Shell Delivered, Testing Underway
The factory recently received its first car body shell from a Chennai-based supplier. Before large-scale production can begin, this shell will undergo rigorous testing. Abhishek Mishra, the factory’s Public Relations Officer, confirmed that all essential systems for sleeper coach production are in place.
Production will commence in phases under a contract between Indian Railways and private firm Kinet, marking a significant public-private partnership in India’s rail manufacturing sector.
Design, Capacity, and Speed Highlights
Each Vande Bharat Sleeper rake will consist of 16 coaches, designed to accommodate 823 passengers. Built for maximum speeds of 160 kmph, these coaches will offer modern amenities, including three toilets and a pantry per coach.
The estimated cost of producing one rake is Rs 120 crore, reflecting the advanced engineering and passenger comfort features being incorporated.
State-of-the-Art Manufacturing Facility
Spread across 351 acres, the Marathwada Rail Coach Factory employs nearly 10,000 people and features world-class infrastructure. The facility includes:
- 11 high-tech assembly stations
- Dedicated workshops for bogie fitting, painting, and car body assembly
- An 8.6-kilometre internal track network for testing and coach movement
Initially, the plant will roll out two rakes (32 coaches). In the long term, the factory is expected to manufacture up to 1,920 sleeper coaches.
Maintenance Depots Being Planned
To support operations, Indian Railways is planning maintenance depots in Delhi, Bengaluru, and Jodhpur. These will ensure streamlined upkeep once the sleeper trains hit the tracks.
Passengers to Wait a Bit Longer
While this new sleeper variant of the Vande Bharat promises improved comfort and faster long-distance travel, passengers will need to wait until mid-2026 to experience it. The rollout will mark a milestone in India’s push to modernise rail travel with domestically produced, high-performance coaches.
