TBM Staff - Mumbai
Indian Railways (IR) is gearing up to introduce the Vande Bharat Sleeper train, a state-of-the-art addition to its fleet. The train, unveiled by Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw in September 2024, is currently undergoing trial runs in Rajasthan’s Kota. Designed to enhance passenger comfort for long-distance travel, the sleeper variant of the Vande Bharat marks a significant upgrade in the Indian Railways’ offerings, aiming to redefine overnight rail travel with advanced features.
The Vande Bharat Sleeper is in its second phase of trials within the West Central Railway (WCR) zone. The trials are being supervised by the Lucknow-based Research Designs & Standards Organisation (RDSO). On January 2, 2025, the train achieved a top speed of 180 km/h during speed tests conducted in the WCR zone, assessing parameters like brake performance and coupler force. Earlier trials in the Jhansi Division of the North Central Railway (NCR) tested speeds up to 115 km/h under various configurations, including loaded and empty modes.
The train’s official launch will take place after the successful completion of trial runs and the finalisation of its route. Proposed routes under consideration include high-demand corridors such as New Delhi-Pune and New Delhi-Srinagar. Announced during the FY 2023-24 post-budget press conference, the Vande Bharat Sleeper train is positioned as a transformative project in Indian Railways’ modernisation efforts, aiming to offer unparalleled comfort and convenience for long-distance travellers.
Once operational, the Vande Bharat Sleeper train will complement the existing Vande Bharat Express services, further strengthening Indian Railways’ fleet of ultra-modern trains. Its innovative design, high-speed capabilities, and passenger-friendly amenities are expected to set a new benchmark in rail travel, offering passengers a seamless and luxurious journey across the country.
