Introduction
Indian Railways, the world’s fourth-largest rail network, has long served as the backbone of India’s transport infrastructure. Beyond driving economic growth, it has been a vital force in strengthening social and cultural connectivity across the nation’s vast geographies. Over the years, Indian Railways has modernized its infrastructure and network extensively, enabling remarkable progress while also paving the way for meeting the rising expectations of passengers.
As India expands, the rising economic growth and modernization have elevated passenger expectations. The passengers now look for trains that offer speed, reliability, and advanced amenities that support both convenience and comfort. However, the conventional train services, with long travel times and limited amenities, struggle to meet these evolving needs.
To address these growing demands and expectations, Indian Railways launched India’s first indigenous, semi-high-speed train, Vande Bharat Express, which set new benchmarks in efficiency, safety, and passenger-focused design, marking a transformative step in India’s rail. To further maximize the potential of the Vande Bharat Train Series, Indian Railways took a major step and launched the upgraded version of Vande Bharat known as Vande Bharat 2.0. Not only this, the Indian Railways is now bringing in the sleeper version of Vande Bharat. The upcoming sleeper version of Vande Bharat will not only address the growing demand for faster and more efficient long-distance travel but also reinforce Indian Railways’ ambition to bridge the gap between conventional express services and future high-speed rail networks.
Evolution of Vande Bharat Trains
The evolution of the Vande Bharat train marks a transformative journey in India’s railway history, showcasing the nation’s strides in speed, technology, and passenger-centric innovation.
Vande Bharat 1.0
- The Vande Bharat Train, previously referred to as Train 18, is the nation’s first semi-high-speed train, which can run up to a maximum speed of 160 kmph and has travel classes like the Shatabdi Train but with better facilities.
- The Integral Coach Factory (ICF) located in Chennai was responsible for the design and construction of the Vande Bharat Trainsets. The trains were officially commissioned in February 2019.
Vande Bharat 2.0
- Building on the success of the first Vande Bharat, Indian Railways introduced the second version of Vande Bharat, which incorporates enhanced safety features and improved passenger amenities.
- On 21 January 2021, Medha Servo Drives Ltd. secured a contract worth INR 2,211 crore from the railways to manufacture 44 Vande Bharat trains, each comprising 16 coaches. The first trainset of the Vande Bharat 2.0 version was flagged off by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi on September 30, 2022, traveling from Gandhinagar to Mumbai.
Vande Bharat 3.0
- The sleeper version of the Vande Bharat train series marks a new milestone for Indian Railways, which is designed for enhanced comfort on long-distance journeys.
- The Vande Bharat 3.0 model is designed with features such as automatic doors, ultra-comfortable berths, on-board WiFi & an aircraft-like design. The 16-coach rake consists of 1 First AC, 4 AC 2-tier, and 11 AC 3-tier sleeper coaches, designed to accommodate over 1,100 passengers.
Vande Bharat Sleeper Trains: A New Era of Comfort and High-Speed Mobility
Indian Railways is undergoing a paradigm shift in its pursuit of modern, high-speed, and passenger-centric mobility solutions. The Vande Bharat Sleeper trains 3.0 have been engineered for long-haul overnight journeys, combining speed, safety, and comfort with globally benchmarked design standards. The sleeper variant of the Vande Bharat series is designed to redefine overnight journeys for millions of travelers. Built under the Make in India initiative, the Vande Bharat Sleeper trains reflect India’s engineering prowess and its dedication to redefining the future of rail travel.
Vande Bharat Sleeper Trains: From Concept to Prototype
On 23 May 2023, BEML secured a ₹675-crore contract from the Integral Coach Factory (ICF), Chennai, to manufacture the first 10 Vande Bharat Sleeper trainsets.
On 1 September 2024, the Hon’ble Union Minister for Railways, Shri Ashwini Vaishnaw, flagged off India’s first Vande Bharat Sleeper trainset at BEML’s Bangalore rail complex. A team of engineers from ICF was responsible for the design of the sleeper version, while the rake was manufactured by BEML, a public sector enterprise previously known as Bharat Earth Movers Limited.
In October 2024, the Integral Coach Factory (ICF) unveiled the prototype of the Vande Bharat Sleeper rake in Chennai. ICF completed manufacturing of India’s first Vande Bharat Sleeper Train set on 17 December 2024.
Vande Bharat Sleeper Train Trial Runs and Achievements
1. Early Field Trials
- The Vande Bharat Sleeper prototype completed a two-day field trial between Khajuraho and Mahoba in Uttar Pradesh on 21 and 22 December 2024. The train achieved speeds of 115 km/h on the first day and 130 km/h on the second day.
2. 28 Days Trials by RDSO
- The sleeper version of the Vande Bharat train completed a comprehensive 28-day trial run conducted by the testing team from Lucknow-based Research Designs and Standards Organisation (RDSO), with trials concluding on January 15, 2025.
- The trials included oscillation tests at speeds of up to 115 km/h in the Jhansi division of North Central Railway (NCR) and up to 180 km/h in the Kota division of West Central Railway (WCR).
- The Brake performance trials were conducted in the Kota division at 160 km/h under various conditions, including dry and wet conditions, to assess emergency braking distances.
- For the first time, coupler force trials were conducted in the Kota division at a speed of 160 km/h to assess the maximum forces experienced by the couplers during various braking and acceleration modes.
- Finally, confirmatory run trials were conducted between Ahmedabad and Mumbai at 130 km/h, covering an extended distance of approximately 1,000 km to assess overall performance.
Vande Bharat Sleeper Train Successfully Reaches 180 km/h During Trials
- The Vande Bharat Sleeper Train successfully achieved a top speed of 180 km/h during a series of trial runs. These trials were carried out in a fully loaded condition to evaluate performance, stability, and operational efficiency at high speeds.
| Note: The Vande Bharat sleeper train prototype has completed multiple trials, including rigorous speed and safety tests, but the launch of the train was delayed after the Integral Coach Factory (ICF) identified over more than 73 design and technical issues, particularly related to safety, Although these issues have been addressed by BEML but the train is still awaiting final approval from the Commissioner of Railway Safety (CRS) before it can be commissioned for passenger service. |
Specification of Vande Bharat Sleeper Train
1. Passenger Experience and Onboard Comfort
- Improved Air Conditioning: The Vande Bharat Sleeper Train features an advanced air conditioning system with precise temperature control throughout all coaches, ensuring optimal comfort in any weather condition.
- Oxygen Level Maintenance System: The train features an advanced oxygen level maintenance system that continuously monitors and optimizes air quality, ensuring a healthier and more comfortable journey.
- Redesigned Toilets: The train features modern touch-free bio-vacuum toilets with automated water flow and high-efficiency sanitation, designed for superior hygiene and full accessibility for differently-abled passengers
- New-Generation Seating & Sleeper Berths: Ergonomically designed seats and sleeper berths feature premium cushioning, offering long-distance comfort. They are equipped with adjustable reading lights, personal USB ports, and optimized luggage space for added convenience.
- Onboard Wi-Fi: The train offers high-speed onboard Wi-Fi, keeping passengers connected throughout their journey
2. Facilities for Crew and Operators
- Dedicated Loco Pilot Cabins: The train features ergonomically designed loco pilot cabins that reduce physical strain and fatigue during extended operating hours.
- Driver Restrooms: The train provides separate, well-equipped restroom facilities for drivers, ensuring their comfort, hygiene, and convenience during long journeys.
3. Safety Systems and Performance Features
- KAVACH System: The Vande Bharat Sleeper Train is equipped with the indigenous KAVACH Automatic Train Protection system, which prevents collisions by automatically controlling speed and braking.
- Fire Safety & Emergency Measures: The Vande Bharat Sleeper Train features advanced fire safety measures, including automatic detection systems, smoke alarms, and extinguishers in all coaches. Additionally, the train complies with the EN 45545 HL3 fire safety standard, featuring a fire barrier wall for added protection.
- Regenerative Braking System: The Vande Bharat Sleeper Train uses a regenerative braking system that recovers energy during deceleration, improving efficiency while ensuring safe braking.
Key Vande Bharat Sleeper Train Manufacturing Contracts
| Manufacturer / JV | Contract Details | No. of Train Sets / Coaches |
| RVNL-TMH ( Kinet Railway Solutions) | ₹35,000 Cr – 36,000 Cr contract + 35 years maintenance | 120 train sets |
| BHEL-Titagarh | Rs 9,600 crore contract + 35 years maintenance | 80 Trainsets |
| BEML | Rs 675 crore | 10 Trainsets |
Contract Revisions and Updates
Indian Railways has revised its ₹ 58,000 crore contract for Vande Bharat sleeper trains. Initially, the contract covered the manufacturing and supply of 200 trains with 16 coaches each. Under the new plan, each train will have 24 coaches, while the total number of trains has been reduced to 133.
- Contract for 120 Vande Bharat: In March 2023, RVNL-TMH ( Kinet Railway Solutions) bagged a contract to supply & manufacture 120 Vande Bharat Sleeper Trains. However, the joint venture will now supply 80 Vande Bharat Trains instead of 120. Now, each train will have 24 coaches instead of the original 16 coaches.
- Contract for 80 Vande Bharat: Bharat Heavy Electricals Ltd (BHEL) and Titagarh Wagons bagged the contract to supply 80 Vande Bharat Sleeper trains. The price for each train is set at Rs 120 crore, resulting in a total contract value of Rs 9,600 crore. Under the revised terms, the consortium will now supply 53 trains instead of 80.
| Vande Bharat Sleeper Train Rollout Plan as per Revised Contracts | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Manufacturer | Configuration | No. of Trainsets | Status |
| RVNL-TMH ( Kinet Railway Solutions) | 24 Coaches | 80 | The JV will roll out the prototype by June 2026 |
| BHEL-Titagarh | 24 Coaches | 53 | The JV will roll out the prototype by June 2026 |
| BEML | 16 Coaches | 10 Trains | Commissioning is delayed due to safety Issues. |
Alstom & Medha to Supply Propulsion System for 50 Rakes
On 17th December 2024, Indian Railways placed a major order for propulsion electric systems for 50 rakes of the 24-car Vande Bharat Sleeper Train Sets. This order has been allocated to two prominent Indian manufacturers, with an expected delivery timeframe of 24 months.
- M/s Medha will supply propulsion systems for 33 rakes
- M/s Alstom will supply propulsion systems for 17 rakes
Delhi–Howrah Route to Get Vande Bharat Sleeper
Indian Railways is planning to commission the Vande Bharat Sleeper train on the Delhi–Howrah Route. The Vande Bharat Sleeper train will be the third premium train on this route after the Rajdhani Express and Duronto Express. The Delhi-Howrah Sleeper train will cover a distance of 1449 km in under 15 hours.
Conclusion
The Vande Bharat Sleeper train marks a defining milestone in India’s pursuit of modern, efficient, and passenger-centric rail travel. With its advanced features and modern design, the Vande Bharat sleeper stands as a symbol of Indian Railways’ transformation and the nation’s engineering progress. The prototype of the Vande Bharat Sleeper was designed by ICF and manufactured by BEML, which was unveiled in October 2024. The Vande Bharat Sleeper train successfully achieved a top speed of 180 km/h during extensive trial runs, demonstrating its capability to deliver high-speed, stable, and comfortable overnight travel while setting new benchmarks for long-distance rail journeys in India. Nearly ₹58,000 crore worth of contracts have been awarded to major firms for the supply and manufacturing of the Vande Bharat Sleeper train, which highlights India’s industrial prowess and reinforces its commitment to the “Make in India” initiative. Once operational, it will not only enhance overnight journeys but also pave the way for India’s future in high-speed rail travel.
