Indian Railways is set to transform long-distance train travel with the launch of the Vande Bharat Sleeper trains, offering world-class facilities and semi high-speed travel. The first of these next-generation sleeper trains is scheduled to begin operations by the end of July 2025. According to railway officials, speed trials for the inaugural train have been successfully completed, and the Research Design and Standards Organization (RDSO) in Lucknow has validated the train’s technology and performance. The Railway Board is currently finalizing the route and fare structure, and Prime Minister Narendra Modi is expected to flag off the first train next month.
Rollout of 30 High-Speed Vande Bharat Sleeper Trains Planned for 2025–26
In total, 30 Vande Bharat sleeper trains are planned for rollout in the financial year 2025–26. Ten of these have already been manufactured by Bharat Earth Movers Limited (BEML) in Bangalore, a public sector undertaking. An additional 8–10 trains are under production at the Integral Coach Factory (ICF) in Chennai. Both BEML and ICF are jointly handling the manufacturing of these advanced sleeper coaches.
The new Vande Bharat sleeper trains are designed to run at speeds ranging from 160 to 240 kmph, compared to the current maximum of 130 kmph for existing Rajdhani, Shatabdi, and chair-car Vande Bharat trains. Initially, the sleeper trains will operate at 160 kmph, with phased plans to increase speeds further as infrastructure upgrades continue.
Vande Bharat Sleeper Trains to Boost High-Speed Rail on Key Corridors
These trains will primarily run on the Delhi–Howrah and Delhi–Mumbai corridors, where the Indian Railways is already implementing high-speed enhancements, including anti-collision technology and other safety features. This initiative is expected to greatly enhance passenger comfort, reduce travel time, and modernize the Indian train travel experience, marking a significant leap forward in the country’s railway capabilities.
Summary:
Indian Railways will launch Vande Bharat Sleeper trains by July 2025, offering high-speed travel with advanced comfort and safety. Thirty trains are planned for 2025–26, with manufacturing underway by BEML and ICF. Operating initially at 160 kmph, they’ll run on major routes like Delhi–Mumbai and Delhi–Howrah.
