Kerala is poised to receive one of India’s first Vande Bharat sleeper trains, with the Thiruvananthapuram–Mangaluru route expected to be among the earliest beneficiaries. This upcoming addition to the Indian Railways’ high-speed portfolio reflects the government’s broader strategy to offer faster, safer, and more sustainable long-distance train travel across the country.
The sleeper version of the Vande Bharat series, being introduced under the Northern Railway’s directive and allocated to the Southern Railway zone, is part of a wider national rollout plan expected to commence later this year. The train is being designed by the Integral Coach Factory in Chennai and built by Bharat Earth Movers Limited, with a passenger capacity of approximately 1,128 across 16 air-conditioned coaches. The introduction of a sleeper version responds to longstanding public demand for enhanced overnight train travel, especially on southern routes. Kerala’s inclusion at this stage reflects both the state’s high volume of rail commuters and the strategic need to bolster economic corridors across the western coast. Beyond mere capacity, the sleeper variant is designed to redefine passenger experience with an emphasis on comfort, safety, and accessibility.
From a technological standpoint, the sleeper trains will be equipped with GPS-enabled LED display systems, automatic doors, and the Kavach system—a robust indigenous safety mechanism to prevent collisions. Interior innovations will include ergonomic sleeping berths, intuitive lighting for individual passengers, and modular pantry units for better onboard service. What makes this development especially significant is its alignment with India’s transport sustainability goals. The design ethos underscores gender-neutral infrastructure, with improved toilet access and universal design principles that cater to differently-abled passengers. These features serve a dual purpose of addressing inclusive design while reducing the travel carbon footprint through energy-efficient systems.
The transformation from chair car to sleeper service also signals a shift in how Indian Railways is redefining its service delivery. With 10 rakes currently being retrofitted and an additional 50 trains ordered, the railways is scaling up its infrastructure to serve not just daily commuters but also long-distance travellers who prioritise efficiency and comfort. Kerala’s selection for the pilot rollout reinforces the Centre’s intention to modernise the state’s rail services, linking coastal and inland economies more efficiently. While the precise date of rollout is awaited, the anticipation surrounding the sleeper Vande Bharat train has already generated a sense of optimism among commuters, tourism operators, and policymakers alike. As the state gears up to welcome this flagship service, it marks a pivotal step towards building greener, faster, and more equitable mobility solutions in India’s transport ecosystem.
Kerala to Get First Sleeper Vande Bharat train
