Indian Railways Gears Up for Launch of Vande Bharat Sleeper Train, Enhancing Comfort for Passengers on Overnight Journeys

Published on November 26, 2025

Indian Railways is set to launch the highly anticipated Vande Bharat Sleeper Train, designed to elevate the comfort of passengers traveling on long-distance overnight journeys. This new train will offer a modern and comfortable alternative to traditional sleeper coaches, with features aimed at improving the travel experience. The introduction of the Vande Bharat Sleeper Train marks a significant step forward in India’s rail modernization efforts, promising a higher standard of service, enhanced passenger amenities, and a smoother, more relaxing overnight journey. This initiative is part of Indian Railways’ broader plan to provide more efficient, faster, and comfortable travel options for long-distance commuters.

The trains—numbered 20701 from Secunderabad to Tirupati and 20702 from Tirupati to Secunderabad—will begin this enhanced service from November 26. This move is expected to help alleviate the pressure on this highly popular route, providing more comfortable seating options for passengers. Currently, the train operates six days a week, with a weekly break on Tuesdays. The train from Secunderabad departs at 6:00 am and arrives in Tirupati by late afternoon, while the return train from Tirupati leaves at 15:15 and reaches Secunderabad at 23:40 on the same day.

This addition comes as part of Indian Railways’ effort to meet the growing demand for high-speed rail travel, particularly between key cities like Secunderabad and Tirupati. The Vande Bharat Express is known for its speed, modern amenities, and comfort, making it a preferred choice for passengers traveling between these two important South Indian cities. With the permanent augmentation of coaches, Indian Railways hopes to make the service even more accessible and convenient for travelers.

Simultaneously, Indian Railways is preparing to launch its first-ever Vande Bharat sleeper train next month. The introduction of sleeper coaches is part of the broader Vande Bharat initiative, designed to offer a new level of comfort for passengers on longer journeys. As the sleeper train is in the final stages of preparation, retrofitting work is being done to ensure that passenger comfort is optimized for overnight travel. These changes, though minor, are crucial in enhancing the overall quality of the service. Indian Railways aims to set high standards, ensuring that future generations of travelers experience a premium level of comfort.

The first sleeper train is expected to launch in December, with ten additional Vande Bharat sleeper trains currently being developed. These sleeper trains are expected to address the growing demand for modern, comfortable overnight trains, especially for long-distance travel. The addition of sleeper coaches is anticipated to complement the existing Vande Bharat services, providing passengers with more options for comfort and convenience during their journeys.

In an unrelated development, Indian Railways has also introduced two new MEMU (Mainline Electric Multiple Unit) train services connecting Delhi and Shamli. These new trains are expected to improve mobility for daily commuters, students, farmers, and professionals in the region. The MEMU trains will provide a faster and more efficient travel option between Delhi and Shamli, filling a critical gap in regional connectivity.

As part of the ‘Amrit Bharat Station Yojana,’ Shamli station is undergoing a major upgrade to modernize its facilities. The station is being revamped at a cost of Rs 25 crore to provide world-class amenities for passengers. This initiative is part of Indian Railways’ broader efforts to modernize and improve stations across the country, ensuring that passengers have access to better facilities and services. The new MEMU trains will serve as a vital link for the people of Shamli, enhancing the accessibility of the region and improving travel times for both local residents and visitors.

The inauguration of these new services and station upgrades highlights Indian Railways’ ongoing commitment to improving regional transportation. By adding new trains and modernizing stations, Indian Railways is working to enhance the travel experience for millions of passengers, especially in underserved areas. The MEMU trains and station upgrades will not only provide better connectivity but also help stimulate local economies by improving access to transportation and creating new opportunities for residents.

Indian Railways is preparing to launch the Vande Bharat Sleeper Train, designed to offer enhanced comfort for passengers on long-distance overnight journeys with modern amenities and improved service.

Overall, Indian Railways is making significant strides in enhancing its services, whether through the permanent augmentation of the Vande Bharat Express or the introduction of new MEMU trains. These efforts are part of a broader vision to modernize the Indian rail network, providing passengers with better, faster, and more comfortable travel options across the country.