Indian Railways is set to introduce its first-ever Vande Bharat sleeper trains in January, marking a major upgrade to long-distance travel. This move comes after years of passenger demand for an overnight version of the popular high-speed service. The Railways aims to build eight additional sleeper rakes by the end of March, signalling a rapid expansion plan for premium night-travel options across the country. The new sleeper trains promise more comfort, faster journeys, and modern amenities designed specifically for overnight travel.
The sleeper coaches are being manufactured at the Integrated Coach Factory (ICF) in Perambur, which produces nearly 4,000 coaches annually. Until now, all 92 Vande Bharat trains in operation were chair-car models used only for daytime routes. The introduction of sleeper versions will help Indian Railways transition these premium trains into long-distance overnight services, improving both convenience and efficiency for passengers travelling across states.
Development of the sleeper model began last year at the BEML unit in Bengaluru. A prototype with 16 coaches was built and later transferred to ICF for in-depth testing. After completing the testing process, the prototype will be sent to Delhi. Senior officials have confirmed that the first Vande Bharat sleeper—equipped with two sleeper coaches—will launch in January, while the second sleeper train is already assembled and undergoing trial runs in Ahmedabad.
The Railways expects strong public demand for sleeper-style Vande Bharat services, leading to firm plans for producing eight more trains by March. These additional trains will help gradually expand the network of overnight high-speed routes, making travel faster and more comfortable for millions of long-distance passengers.
Officials also revealed ongoing discussions about introducing a Vande Bharat service with a single sleeper coach on the Bengaluru–Kanyakumari route. This planned service would cover a major travel corridor in southern India, providing a faster alternative for passengers on one of the region’s busiest stretches.
With the launch of sleeper coaches, Vande Bharat is evolving from a daytime premium service to a full-fledged long-distance travel option. This shift is expected to transform overnight rail journeys by combining speed, comfort, and modern design—marking a significant leap in India’s railway modernisation efforts.