Indian railway travellers are fairly excited, as the rollout of the first-ever Vande Bharat Sleeper train may be completed tentatively in September 2025, as per the latest announcement by Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw in Gujarat.
Vande Bharat Sleeper Train: First of Its Kind in India
Vande Bharat sleeper trains are expected to have multiple features, including comfort, high speed, and unmatched modern technology. This new semi-high-speed train is designed specifically for long-distance and medium-distance journeys. A first of its kind in Indian Railways’ history.
Vande Bharat sleeper trains are manufactured by Bharat Earth Movers Limited (BEML) using the Integral Coach Factory (ICF) technology. According to reports, it features 16 coaches comprising AC First Class, AC 2-Tier, and AC 3-Tier accommodations.
Vande Bharat Sleeper trains have been designed to reach maximum speeds of up to 180 km/h, significantly reducing travel time on major routes expected to include Delhi to Howrah, Mumbai, Pune, and Secunderabad.
Key Features of Vande Bharat Sleeper Trains
The new sleeper trains promise to offer world-class amenities never seen before in Indian trains.These features are expected to give passengers a safe, comfortable ride along with a modern train experience.
- Hot water showers in First AC
- USB-integrated reading lights
- Real-time passenger information system
- CCTV surveillance for security
- Touch-free bio-vacuum toilets
- Modular pantries for fresh meals
- Special facilities for differently abled passengers
- Sensor-based automatic doors
- Kavach anti-collision system for safety
- Emergency braking and anti-climbing technology
Dedicated Depots for Maintenance
As per reports, to keep the Vande Bharat Sleeper trains in top shape, Indian Railways is building a special depot and workshop near Bengaluru for the maintenance of Vande Bharat Sleeper trains.
Vande Bharat Sleeper Train Ticket Prices
While official Vande Bharat Sleeper ticket prices have not been announced yet, the Railway Minister has said that the service will provide “affordable luxury” for India’s middle-class travellers. Fares are expected to be slightly higher than Rajdhani Express tickets but more economical than flights on the same routes. Minister Vaishnaw said that the Vande Bharat Sleeper aims to provide affordable luxury for middle-class travellers, complementing other initiatives like Namo Bharat and Amrit Bharat, which will help modernise the country’s rail network.