The Vande Bharat Express has already become a popular brand in Indian Railways, thanks to its modern design, quick acceleration, and comfortable seating for day travel. After the success of multiple chair car Vande Bharat trains across the country, passengers are now eagerly waiting for the next big step, the Vande Bharat Sleeper Train.
This new version is being developed to offer overnight travel with the same premium feel, modern technology, and higher speeds. While the first Vande Bharat Sleeper Train has not yet started commercial operations, recent updates about its design, layout, and maintenance infrastructure show that Indian Railways is moving steadily towards its launch.
Current Status Of Vande Bharat Sleeper Train
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has flagged off several new Vande Bharat Express chair car trains, but the sleeper variant is still in the preparation phase. There is no official announcement yet about the exact date of its introduction for passengers.
However, work is actively progressing on the dedicated maintenance facilities that will handle these advanced sleeper rakes. A senior North Western Railway official has confirmed that the first Vande Bharat Sleeper Coach Maintenance Service will be ready in Jodhpur, Rajasthan, around the middle of 2026.
This is an important milestone because high speed, technologically advanced trains require specialised depots, trained staff, and modern equipment for inspection, servicing, and repairs. Only after this ecosystem is in place can the sleeper version start regular operations with reliability and safety.
Short Summary Table
Particular |
Details |
|---|---|
Train Name |
Vande Bharat Sleeper (first sleeper version) |
Max Designed Speed |
Up to 180 kilometres per hour |
Total Coaches |
16 coaches |
Coach Composition |
11 AC 3 tier, 4 AC 2 tier, 1 AC First Class |
Maintenance Depot Location |
Jodhpur, North Western Railway |
Depot Phase 1 Target |
By June 2026 (approx. 600 meter track) |
Depot Phase 2 Target |
By June 2027 (extra 178 meter track, workshop, simulator) |
Manufacturing Company |
BEML using ICF technology |
Design Partner |
Kinect Railway Solutions |
Official Railway Website |
Jodhpur Vande Bharat Sleeper Depot Timeline
The new maintenance depot in Jodhpur is expected to play a central role in handling the first generation of Vande Bharat Sleeper rakes. According to officials, the work is being planned in two phases.
Phase 1
- Target completion by June 2026
- Development of a 600 meter long track inside the depot area
- Basic infrastructure to receive, inspect, and maintain the new sleeper rakes
- Initial set up of equipment and utilities for routine checks and servicing
Phase 2
- Target completion by June 2027
- Addition of around 178 meter of extra track length
- Construction of a workshop with advanced tooling and repair facilities
- Installation of a simulator facility for technical training and testing
Railway officials have highlighted that this depot will raise the technological capability of Indian Railways to a higher level, especially in the field of modern, semi high speed sleeper trains.
Viral Videos And Public Excitement
Even before the official launch, several videos of the Vande Bharat Sleeper prototype have been circulating on social media platforms. One particular video, recorded from the loco pilot’s cabin, gained a lot of attention and went viral among rail enthusiasts.
In these visuals, passengers and rail fans have been able to see the exterior design, interiors glimpses, and the overall styling of the train. Many users have praised the modern look, smooth finish, and attractive lighting. The online reaction clearly shows that there is strong public curiosity and excitement around this new entrant in the Vande Bharat family.
Key Features Of Vande Bharat Sleeper
The Vande Bharat Sleeper is being positioned as a premium overnight travel option for long distance routes. Built by BEML using ICF technology and designed in collaboration with Kinect Railway Solutions, this train incorporates several important features.
Some of the key highlights are
- Modern aerodynamic design with a focus on speed and stability
- Fully air conditioned sleeper accommodation across all classes
- Improved ride comfort due to advanced suspension and coach design
- Better energy efficiency compared to older conventional rakes
- Enhanced safety systems and modern braking technology
The focus is not only on speed but also on comfort and overall travel experience, so that passengers can sleep peacefully and reach their destination refreshed.
Coach Layout: 16 Coach Sleeper Configuration
The first version of the Vande Bharat Sleeper is planned with a 16 coach configuration. This balanced layout aims to serve different budget segments while maintaining a premium feel across the train.
The coach composition is as follows
- 11 AC 3 tier coaches
- 4 AC 2 tier coaches
- 1 AC First Class coach
AC 3 Tier Coaches
- Intended for passengers looking for a comfortable yet relatively economical option
- Likely to feature modern berth design, individual reading lights, charging points, and improved privacy elements
- Suitable for families, groups, and budget conscious long distance travelers
AC 2 Tier Coaches
- Fewer berths per cabin compared to 3 tier, offering more space and privacy
- Ideal for passengers who prefer a quieter environment and are willing to pay slightly higher fares
AC First Class Coach
- The most premium section of the train
- Expected to have cabins with closing doors, extra legroom, and more exclusive ambience
- Targeted at business travelers, senior executives, and passengers who value additional privacy and comfort
The coach arrangement is designed to provide a mix of capacity and premium positioning, allowing a variety of passengers to experience the upgraded sleeper product.
Speed And Technology: Up To 180 Kmph
One of the headline features of the Vande Bharat Sleeper is its designed maximum speed of up to 180 kilometres per hour. This does not mean that it will always run at 180 kmph on every route, since actual operating speed depends on track conditions, signalling, and safety clearances.
However, the higher design speed brings several advantages
- Faster acceleration and deceleration, which reduces overall journey time even if top speed is used only on certain sections
- Better compatibility with future track upgrades and semi high speed corridors
- Improved scheduling flexibility for Indian Railways, allowing quicker turnarounds and efficient use of rake time
High speed capability, combined with modern sleeper comfort, can transform overnight travel on busy routes, making it a serious alternative to air and road travel for many passengers.
Passenger Experience And Design Focus
The design of the Vande Bharat Sleeper aims to deliver a more hotel like experience on rails. Based on early visuals and official descriptions, the focus areas include
- Contemporary interior styling with soothing colours
- Improved lighting that can be adapted for day and night ambience
- Wider gangways and better designed entry areas to ease movement
- Enhanced sound insulation to reduce noise and vibration
- Adequate luggage space and modern, cleaner toilets
Through such features, Indian Railways is attempting to reposition overnight train journeys as a comfortable, aspirational experience rather than just a necessity.
When Can Passengers Expect The First Run
At present, there is no official commercial launch date for the Vande Bharat Sleeper Train. The priority right now is to complete the dedicated maintenance depot at Jodhpur and fully test the new rakes.
Based on the shared timelines
- The first phase of the depot is targeted for completion around June 2026
- The second phase, with additional technical facilities, is expected by June 2027
Only after these steps, along with safety trials, speed certification, and route planning, will Indian Railways announce the first routes and operational schedule. Passengers may need to wait a bit longer, but the infrastructure progress indicates that the project is moving ahead steadily.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1. Has the Vande Bharat Sleeper Train started for passengers yet
No, the Vande Bharat Sleeper Train has not started regular passenger service yet. Work is ongoing on its maintenance depot in Jodhpur and detailed trials and approvals will be required before commercial launch.
Q2. What is the coach composition of the Vande Bharat Sleeper
The planned configuration for the first Vande Bharat Sleeper rake includes 16 coaches in total, with 11 AC 3 tier coaches, 4 AC 2 tier coaches, and 1 AC First Class coach.
Q3. What is the maximum speed of the Vande Bharat Sleeper
The Vande Bharat Sleeper is designed for speeds up to 180 kilometres per hour. Actual operating speeds will depend on route conditions, track quality, and safety permissions.
Q4. Where is the maintenance depot for Vande Bharat Sleeper being built
The dedicated Vande Bharat Sleeper maintenance facility is being developed in Jodhpur under the North Western Railway zone. It is planned in two phases, with major track and workshop infrastructure expected between 2026 and 2027.
Q5. Where can I check official updates about Vande Bharat trains
For official information, announcements, and press releases related to Vande Bharat Express and future sleeper variants, you can visit the Indian Railways website at https://indianrailways.gov.in and follow updates from the Ministry of Railways.
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