The first-ever sleeper version of the Vande Bharat Express is set to commence operations between Lucknow and Mumbai in July 2025.
This new service aims to provide passengers with a faster and more comfortable overnight travel option, addressing the growing demand for long-distance connectivity between Uttar Pradesh and Maharashtra. The sleeper Vande Bharat Express will operate on a route that includes key stations such as Lucknow, Bareilly, Shahjahanpur, Moradabad, Ghaziabad, Hazrat Nizamuddin, Agra, and Mumbai. The train will consist of 20 coaches, including AC First Class, AC 2-Tier, AC 3-Tier, and Seating-cum-Luggage Rake (SLR) coaches, with a total capacity of approximately 1,200 passengers.
Railway officials have confirmed that the train will operate four days a week, with the exact schedule to be announced soon. The introduction of this sleeper service is expected to alleviate the current shortage of seats on existing trains along this busy route, such as the Bareilly–Lokmanya Tilak Express and Ramnagar–Bandra Express, which often face high demand and limited availability. The sleeper Vande Bharat Express is designed to offer a superior travel experience, combining speed, comfort, and convenience. With a maximum speed of 160 km/h, the train is expected to reduce travel time compared to traditional services. Passengers can look forward to modern amenities, including ergonomic seating, advanced air-conditioning systems, and enhanced onboard facilities.
This initiative aligns with Indian Railways’ commitment to modernising its fleet and improving passenger services. The sleeper Vande Bharat Express is part of a broader plan to introduce more such trains across the country, with nine additional sleeper Vande Bharat trains scheduled for launch by December 2025. These trains are being manufactured by the Integral Coach Factory (ICF) in Chennai, with plans for full-scale production of 24-car sleeper trains commencing in 2026-27. The launch of the sleeper Vande Bharat Express marks a milestone in India’s railway infrastructure development, offering passengers a new and improved mode of travel for long-distance journeys. As the launch date approaches, further details regarding the train’s schedule and booking procedures will be made available to the public.
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