First look at Vande Bharat Sleeper Train coming soon; what you need to know
Indian Railways is all set to reveal the design of the Vande Bharat Sleeper Train at the International Railway Equipment Exhibition (IREE) 2025. The exhibition will take place from October 15 at Delhi’s Bharat Mandapam. This new train promises to make long-distance travel more comfortable and modern.
What new features can passengers expect?
The train will have 16 coaches, including AC First Class, AC 2-tier, and AC 3-tier coaches. It can carry more than 1,000 passengers. Some new features include:
- Safety features such as crash buffers, deformation tubes, and a fire barrier wall
- Automatic doors on all coaches for passenger convenience and security
- Cushioned berths designed for comfortable overnight travel
- Onboard WiFi connectivity for entertainment and communication
- Aircraft-inspired design for a quieter and smoother journey
Who is behind this project?
Kinet Railway Solutions, a joint venture between Russian rolling stock major TMH and Rail Vikas Nigam Limited (RVNL), will unveil the first AC coach design concept at IREE 2025. The company has been formed specifically for manufacturing and maintaining 120 Vande Bharat Sleeper Trains (a total of 1,920 coaches) for Indian Railways. The first prototype is expected to be ready by June 2026.
Indian Railways has awarded contracts to manufacture the Vande Bharat Sleeper Trains to three companies: BEML, Kinet Railway Solutions, and a consortium of Titagarh Rail Systems Limited and Bharat Heavy Engineering Limited (BHEL).
Where will the train run and how much will it cost?
The Vande Bharat Sleeper Train is set to operate on routes such as Delhi to Patna, Mumbai, and Srinagar. Ticket prices are expected to be comparable to other premium trains like the Rajdhani Express. Estimated fares are around ₹2,000 to ₹5,300.
When will it start running?
As per reports, the train will launch in December 2025. However, the launch will take place only after the second trainset is ready by mid-October 2025, ensuring continuous and reliable service once the trains begin operations.