Vande Bharat New High-Speed Sleeper Trains Introduced By Indian Railways For The First Time To Meet Growing Passenger Demand

Published on November 18, 2025

Indian Railways is launching Vande Bharat’s new high-speed sleeper trains to cater to the increasing demand for comfortable and efficient overnight travel. With passengers seeking faster and more comfortable long-distance options, these sleeper trains are set to provide a premium alternative to traditional overnight travel. The new trains aim to enhance convenience, offering modern amenities while maintaining the speed and efficiency that Vande Bharat trains are known for. This move aligns with the growing need for better rail services, especially for those traveling across states on long-haul routes.

Indian Railways is preparing to launch its first-ever Vande Bharat sleeper trains in January, representing a significant step forward in enhancing long-distance travel options for passengers. This development comes in response to rising demand for a more comfortable overnight alternative to the high-speed, daytime Vande Bharat service. With plans to introduce eight more sleeper rakes by March, the railways are positioning themselves to offer an expanded premium overnight travel network across the country.

Currently, Indian Railways operates 92 Vande Bharat trains, all of which are chair-car models used for daytime travel. The new sleeper versions will provide a much-needed upgrade for long-distance passengers, offering greater comfort and faster travel times. These sleeper coaches are specifically designed for overnight journeys, featuring modern amenities aimed at improving passenger convenience and satisfaction.

The production of the sleeper coaches is underway at the Integrated Coach Factory (ICF) in Perambur, which produces thousands of coaches each year. The first sleeper prototype, which consists of 16 coaches, was developed last year at the BEML unit in Bengaluru. After undergoing thorough testing at ICF, the prototype is set to be transferred to Delhi for further evaluation. The first sleeper train, equipped with two sleeper coaches, is expected to launch in January, while the second train is already undergoing trial runs in Ahmedabad.

As part of the railways’ ambitious expansion plan, the government is preparing to introduce eight additional Vande Bharat sleeper trains by the end of March. These new trains will enable a rapid expansion of premium overnight routes, helping to meet the growing demand for fast, comfortable, and efficient travel across India’s vast rail network. With the introduction of these sleeper services, Indian Railways hopes to offer passengers a seamless overnight experience, with both speed and comfort.

In addition to the sleeper services, there are also discussions underway about introducing a Vande Bharat service with a single sleeper coach on the Bengaluru–Kanyakumari route. This route is one of the busiest in southern India, and the introduction of a sleeper train will provide a faster and more convenient option for long-distance travelers in the region.

The launch of the Vande Bharat sleeper trains marks a major milestone in the ongoing modernisation of India’s railway system. By transforming the popular Vande Bharat trains from daytime services into full-fledged overnight travel options, Indian Railways is aiming to cater to a broader demographic of passengers who require faster, more comfortable ways to travel long distances. The shift to sleeper services is expected to revolutionise the rail travel experience by combining high-speed performance with modern, restful amenities.

The introduction of these sleeper trains will likely have a significant impact on the way people travel across India, especially for those on long-distance routes. With reduced travel times and enhanced comfort, passengers will be able to enjoy a smoother and more relaxing journey. Additionally, the expansion of the Vande Bharat network will provide a much-needed alternative to other modes of transport, such as buses and flights, especially for passengers who prefer train travel.

As the railways continue to invest in the development of these sleeper coaches, the Vande Bharat sleeper trains are expected to become a cornerstone of India’s long-distance travel infrastructure. The rapid expansion of these services will not only improve convenience for passengers but also strengthen the overall efficiency of the country’s rail network.

With the successful integration of sleeper coaches into the Vande Bharat fleet, Indian Railways is poised to redefine overnight train travel, setting a new benchmark for modern rail services in the country. By merging speed, comfort, and convenience, these sleeper trains will help transform the Indian railway experience for millions of passengers, making overnight travel faster, more enjoyable, and more accessible than ever before.