Chennai: The Integral Coach Factory (ICF) in Perambur is set to play a central role in India’s next phase of railway modernisation, with a target to manufacture 260 sleeper-class Vande Bharat trains over the next three years.

The move comes as Indian Railways accelerates efforts to expand high-speed, long-distance travel options across the country. Sleeper-class Vande Bharat trains, designed specifically for overnight journeys, are already under production at the Perambur facility.  

These trains combine the speed and modern features of the Vande Bharat platform with comfortable sleeping arrangements, making them suitable for inter-city routes that operate during night hours.

The first such service, launched between Howrah and Guwahati in January, has received strong passenger response. Railway officials say the positive feedback, particularly regarding comfort, travel time, and onboard amenities, has encouraged the Centre to scale up deployment across multiple corridors.

According to Railway Board plans, over 200 sleeper-class Vande Bharat trains are expected to be introduced nationwide within the next three years. To meet this demand, the Perambur ICF has been receiving a steady stream of production orders and is ramping up its manufacturing capacity.

Officials indicated that infrastructure upgrades, streamlined production lines, and workforce expansion are being undertaken at the Chennai-based factory to meet the ambitious target.

The facility, which has historically been at the forefront of coach manufacturing in India, is now being positioned as a key hub for next-generation trainsets.

The sleeper Vande Bharat trains are expected to feature enhanced safety systems, improved suspension for smoother rides, modern interiors, onboard catering, and advanced passenger information systems.

They are also likely to incorporate energy-efficient technologies in line with Indian Railways’ sustainability goals. With increasing demand for faster and more comfortable long-distance travel, the expansion of sleeper-class Vande Bharat services is seen as a major step towards transforming India’s rail network.

The Perambur ICF’s production push is expected to significantly contribute to this nationwide rollout, reinforcing Chennai’s importance in India’s railway manufacturing ecosystem.