Indian Railways is preparing to launch the first-ever Vande Bharat Sleeper train, with Kerala at the helm of this transformative initiative.
The inaugural service is planned on the Thiruvananthapuram–Mangaluru route, introducing a new standard in overnight train travel by combining speed, safety, and comfort with cutting-edge technology. The Vande Bharat Sleeper train aims to extend the successful semi-high-speed model into long-haul travel with air-conditioned sleeper coaches. This step aligns with Indian Railways’ broader strategy of modernising its fleet and expanding premium services across the country. The introduction of sleeper variants is expected to significantly improve cross-regional connectivity, making overnight journeys not just faster but more comfortable and energy-efficient.
Officials associated with the project have confirmed that this sleeper train will feature 16 AC coaches capable of carrying 1,128 passengers. Unlike the existing Vande Bharat chair car variants already operational on several intercity routes, these new sleeper trains are purpose-built for overnight travel. The coaches are being jointly developed by the Integral Coach Factory (ICF) in Chennai and Bharat Earth Movers Limited (BEML), showcasing the strength of India’s in-house manufacturing and design capabilities. Railway experts describe this development as a “turning point” for India’s public transport system. With dedicated sleeping berths, ergonomic leg rests, GPS-enabled travel updates, and personalised lighting, the Vande Bharat Sleeper coaches have been designed with passenger-centric innovation in mind. The emphasis on universal accessibility has also led to the inclusion of toilets for persons with disabilities, along with automatic doors and safety systems such as Kavach, India’s indigenous train collision avoidance system.
Besides enhancing comfort, the sleeper train aligns well with India’s sustainability goals. Officials familiar with the project stated that the coaches are engineered with lighter materials and improved energy efficiency, contributing to reduced carbon emissions per passenger kilometre compared to conventional diesel-powered express trains. This supports the Indian Railways’ overarching vision to become a net-zero carbon emitter by 2030. The Thiruvananthapuram–Mangaluru corridor was selected not only for its dense passenger traffic but also due to its significance in linking key economic zones across Kerala and Karnataka. Plans are also underway to extend sleeper services to longer routes such as Thiruvananthapuram–Bengaluru and even Kanyakumari–Srinagar, building a pan-India network of high-speed overnight rail options.
According to transport sector observers, this sleeper train marks a major policy milestone. It integrates well with central initiatives such as the Gati Shakti Mission, which aims to unify rail, road, and port infrastructure for seamless logistics and commuter movement. Moreover, by offering an eco-friendly alternative to short-haul flights and private vehicles, the new service could substantially reduce traffic congestion and emissions across urban corridors. Railway engineers working on the project noted that production of the initial 10 sleeper rakes is already underway, with a long-term goal of manufacturing 50 such rakes by 2027. This scale of manufacturing is expected to stimulate ancillary industries and create employment opportunities, particularly in coach production, rail electrification, and digital monitoring technologies.
Passengers too stand to benefit significantly. Apart from high-speed connectivity and advanced safety features, the trains will come equipped with modular pantries and real-time service updates, further improving the travel experience. It is anticipated that the Vande Bharat Sleeper model will become the benchmark for premium long-distance travel in the coming decade. Though the rollout is still in its initial phase, the Indian Railways has confirmed that the Thiruvananthapuram–Mangaluru line will host the first of these sleeper services. Once operational, it is expected to reduce travel time considerably while also encouraging modal shift from road to rail—a vital step toward sustainable urban and regional development. By investing in state-of-the-art rail infrastructure, Indian Railways is not just catering to modern passenger expectations but also setting a precedent for future-ready mobility in India. The Vande Bharat Sleeper initiative encapsulates a forward-thinking vision that resonates with India’s ambition to build inclusive, low-emission transport systems that connect every corner of the nation.
As Kerala takes the lead in hosting the country’s first Vande Bharat Sleeper service, the initiative marks not just a technological upgrade, but a shift in mindset—from moving people efficiently, to moving them comfortably, sustainably, and equitably.
Kerala Prepares to Host India First Vande Bharat Sleeper Train
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