Indian Railways is on the cusp of a significant leap forward in passenger comfort and speed with the introduction of the Vande Bharat sleeper train, a model that promises to revolutionise long-distance rail travel in India. Recently unveiled by Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, the sleeper variant of the Vande Bharat is expected to set new benchmarks for premium train services, surpassing the popular Rajdhani Express and Tejas Express in terms of speed, comfort, and amenities.
Manufactured by BEML, the Vande Bharat sleeper train is part of a broader initiative by Indian Railways to modernise its fleet and enhance passenger experience. Vaishnaw highlighted that this new sleeper train, along with the upcoming Vande Bharat chair car, Vande Metro, and Amrit Bharat trains, will “transform the way India travels”. This initiative is seen as a reflection of India’s emerging aspirations under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The sleeper variant will have a higher average speed than the Rajdhani Express, thanks to its advanced acceleration and deceleration capabilities. With an anticipated operational speed of 160 km/h and a tested speed of up to 180 km/h, this new train is expected to reduce travel times significantly while offering enhanced comfort for long-distance journeys.
In terms of capacity, the Vande Bharat sleeper will be outfitted with a total of 16 coaches. This includes 4 AC 2-tier coaches with 188 berths, 11 AC 3-tier coaches with 611 berths, and 1 AC First Class coach offering 24 berths. This configuration aims to cater to a wide range of passengers, from luxury travellers to those seeking affordability. The train also boasts cutting-edge features designed to provide passengers with a world-class experience. Among these are glass fibre-reinforced plastic (GFRP) panels, sensor-based interiors, automatic exterior passenger doors, ergonomically designed odour-free toilets, communication doors, and a spacious luggage room. These enhancements reflect Indian Railways’ push to offer not just faster travel, but also a more refined and comfortable journey.
Vaishnaw expressed optimism that the Vande Bharat sleeper train will be a “game-changer” in India’s rail network, providing a superior travel experience for passengers and making long-distance travel more seamless and enjoyable. With its modern design and upgraded features, the Vande Bharat sleeper is set to redefine the standards of rail travel in India.
