Kerala is set to get two new Vande Bharat Sleeper trains this year, but political timing and route choices could spark a debate
Thiruvananthapuram: Indian Railways is gearing up to launch Vande Bharat Sleeper services in Kerala, prioritising states holding assembly elections in 2026. The first confirmed route will connect Guwahati and Kolkata, but Kerala has been promised two trains, potentially revolutionising overnight travel for Malayalis.
Indian Railways is gearing up to introduce Vande Bharat Sleeper services in Kerala in 2026, prioritising states holding assembly elections. The move is widely seen as both a modernisation effort and a symbolic gesture during the election season.
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For Kerala, two Vande Bharat Sleeper trains are under consideration. The priority routes are Thiruvananthapuram–Chennai and Thiruvananthapuram–Bengaluru. These overnight trains will depart in the evening and arrive at their destinations the following morning, offering the fastest travel on these routes.
Route debate
Some Malayali representatives have suggested that the Bengaluru route start from Mangaluru instead of Thiruvananthapuram. This change would better serve the Malayali population in Karnataka and Tamil Nadu, connecting cities like Coimbatore where large Malayali communities reside.
Each Vande Bharat Sleeper will have 16 coaches with a total of 823 berths—11 Third AC, four Second AC, and one First AC. Passengers will enjoy modern amenities such as upper-berth accessibility, mobile and laptop chargers, and enhanced safety via the Kavach automatic train protection system.
Beyond Kerala
Indian Railways plans to launch 12 Vande Bharat Sleeper trains nationwide in 2026. The first confirmed route will be Guwahati–Kolkata, signalling a major step in modern overnight travel across India. Five more routes are also being planned, combining speed, comfort, and advanced technology.
Kerala may also benefit from the Amrit Bharat train service connecting Ernakulam and Jogbani in Bihar. This service is mainly aimed at migrant workers, providing safer and faster long-distance travel.
Political considerations
The allocation of these trains appears tied to election-year priorities. States with upcoming assembly polls—including Kerala, Tamil Nadu, West Bengal, and Assam—are expected to receive more high-speed overnight trains, highlighting a blend of commuter convenience and political signalling.
Residents of Kerala are awaiting confirmation of the final routes, with hopes high for the Mangaluru–Bengaluru option. Once operational, these trains will significantly enhance overnight travel, linking the state to major cities while modernising the rail infrastructure ahead of elections.
Published: 06 Jan 2026, 10:16 pm IST
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