The production of the much-anticipated Vande Bharat Sleeper Trains has officially begun at a cutting-edge manufacturing facility in Uttarpara, Kolkata.
The development marks the commencement of a ₹24,000 crore contract awarded by Indian Railways to a public-private consortium comprising a prominent heavy electricals manufacturer and a leading rail systems firm. This contract covers the production of 80 sleeper variants of the semi high-speed Vande Bharat trains, designed to transform overnight travel across India. The facility in Kolkata now stands as a strategic centrepiece in the country’s vision for modern, energy-efficient, and future-ready transport. The commencement of production is more than just an industrial milestone—it is a reflection of India’s renewed commitment to building sustainable transport systems rooted in self-reliance, technology advancement, and passenger-centric innovation.
According to senior officials overseeing the rollout, the first prototype of the Vande Bharat Sleeper is expected to be ready by 2026. The new trains will integrate features tailored to long-distance overnight journeys, including ergonomically designed sleeper berths, advanced air-conditioning, state-of-the-art safety systems, and a noise-insulated, smooth-ride experience—all rooted in a fully indigenous design. Officials involved in the project underlined that these trains will offer not only enhanced comfort and convenience for passengers but also greater energy efficiency. The stainless steel and aluminium coaches being produced at the Kolkata plant represent a significant step toward reducing the carbon footprint of railway travel in India. With regenerative braking systems, reduced emissions, and an emphasis on lightweight construction materials, the sleeper trains are being designed to support India’s zero net carbon transport ambitions.
The rail systems manufacturer’s facility in Uttarpara is currently equipped to produce 300 coaches annually. With smart automation, robotic lines, and Industry 4.0 technologies already embedded in its operations, the plant plans to scale up its output to 850 coaches annually in the near future. This aligns with national efforts under the Make in India and Viksit Bharat initiatives, positioning the site not just as a production hub but as a model for future sustainable industrial infrastructure. Officials representing both partner companies described the project as a definitive model of public-private partnership. They noted that this collaboration goes beyond manufacturing and enters the domain of innovation-driven national development. With India’s railways moving towards modernisation at scale, these sleeper trains are expected to be a gamechanger in the way passengers experience long-distance travel.
Rail experts highlighted that the importance of sleeper variants of Vande Bharat trains lies in their ability to bridge the comfort gap between traditional long-distance services and the newer high-speed options. While earlier Vande Bharat trains have predominantly served medium-haul routes with chair car seating, the new sleeper models will address overnight routes where passengers expect rest and privacy. This evolution in coach design reflects a deeper understanding of India’s unique demographic and geographic travel patterns. The rollout of these trains from Kolkata is also expected to generate long-term socio-economic benefits for the region. Not only will it create direct employment across manufacturing, design, and quality control functions, but it will also catalyse indirect opportunities across logistics, component supply chains, and local infrastructure services. As the site scales up, there is optimism that it will evolve into a high-value knowledge and innovation cluster, supporting India’s ambitions of becoming a global hub for rail technology.
Moreover, officials involved in the project confirmed that sustainability is not merely a design feature but a guiding principle of the entire operation. From energy-efficient assembly processes to waste minimisation and water conservation at the manufacturing level, the Kolkata facility is attempting to set new benchmarks in green industrial practices. Urban mobility advocates welcomed the move, saying it signals a promising shift in the Indian Railways’ approach to passenger services. They noted that upgrading to semi high-speed, comfortable sleeper trains that are energy-efficient and locally produced could significantly improve rail’s modal share, thereby helping reduce pressure on roads and aviation—two high-emission sectors.
As India accelerates its journey towards transport modernisation, the Vande Bharat Sleeper Trains symbolise more than innovation—they represent equity in access, environmental stewardship, and economic opportunity. For the passengers boarding these trains in the coming years, it may well mark the start of a cleaner, faster, and more dignified travel experience.
Also Read : https://urbanacres.in/vande-bharat-fares-reduced-for-all-indians/
