Vande Bharat Sleeper Trains in India – Routes, Launch Date, Ticket Price, and Coach Design
The introduction of Vande Bharat Sleeper Trains marks a significant leap in India’s railway modernization journey. Building on the success of the Vande Bharat Express, which redefined short and medium-distance travel, the sleeper variant now aims to transform overnight journeys across the country.
Unlike the chair-car model that connects cities within a few hours, the Vande Bharat Sleeper trains are designed for long routes stretching over 800 to 1,200 kilometers. They blend speed, luxury, and comfort, offering passengers a Rajdhani-level experience in a completely new generation of self-propelled coaches.
In this comprehensive guide, we explore the upcoming Vande Bharat Sleeper trains list, expected routes, coach composition, design features, launch date, and ticket prices. We also dive into insights often overlooked elsewhere—such as operational readiness, environmental impact, and how this new fleet compares with the iconic Rajdhani Express.
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Table of Contents
Vande Bharat Sleeper Trains List
The Vande Bharat Sleeper series represents a premium category of overnight travel under Indian Railways’ modernization program. These trains are being developed by the Integral Coach Factory (ICF) in Chennai and BEML in Bengaluru under the “Make in India” initiative.
Initially, around 130–150 sleeper rakes are planned for phased rollout. The prototype has completed testing, and mass production will follow soon after. Unlike conventional trains that rely on a separate engine, these are self-propelled electric trainsets—a major upgrade enabling faster acceleration and reduced maintenance time.
Key Highlights:
- Fully air-conditioned 16 to 24-coach formations.
- Designed for premium night routes exceeding 800 km.
- Built for comfort, safety, and efficiency with smart technology integration.
Vande Bharat Sleeper Train Route List
The sleeper variant will operate on India’s most popular overnight routes—connecting key metros, business hubs, and capital cities.
Expected Initial Routes (Phase 1):
| Route | Distance | Approx. Travel Time | Expected Launch Date | Likely Days of Operation | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| New Delhi – Patna | ~1,000 km | ~11.5 hrs | Sept 2025 (delayed) | Daily | Expected to be the first Vande Bharat Sleeper service |
| New Delhi – Howrah | ~1,450 km | ~14 hrs | Late 2025 | Daily | Major East India corridor; high passenger demand |
| Lucknow – Mumbai | ~1,400 km | ~15 hrs | Early 2026 | 5 Days a Week (Expected) | Connects North and West India |
| Bengaluru – Mumbai | ~1,000 km | ~10 hrs | Mid 2026 | Daily | Key South India business corridor |
| Chennai – Delhi | ~2,100 km | ~20 hrs | Late 2026 | Alternate Days (Expected) | Longest proposed overnight route |
Future Corridors: Delhi–Pune, Delhi–Bengaluru, Ahmedabad–Kolkata, and Mumbai–Kolkata are also being considered.
The Vande Bharat Sleeper is expected to cut travel times by up to two hours compared with existing Rajdhani and Duronto services—thanks to higher speeds, shorter halts, and improved braking systems.
Vande Bharat Sleeper Train Coach
Each Vande Bharat Sleeper rake is designed to provide both capacity and comfort for long journeys.
| Coach Type | No. of Coaches | Berths per Coach | Total Berths |
|---|---|---|---|
| AC 3-Tier | 11 | ~55 | 611 |
| AC 2-Tier | 4 | ~47 | 188 |
| First AC | 1 | 24 | 24 |
| Total | 16 | — | 823 berths |
Salient Features:
- Fully AC interiors with low noise and vibration.
- Automatic doors, vacuum toilets, and ambient lighting.
- Digital berth indicators and centralized climate control.
- Dedicated space for attendants and onboard services.
- Spacious corridors and upgraded luggage areas.
The emphasis is on providing aircraft-like comfort for overnight journeys while retaining Indian Railways’ affordability.
Vande Bharat Sleeper Train Launch Date
The first commercial Vande Bharat Sleeper was expected to be launched in September 2025, following final safety approvals. However, the trains are yet to be inaugurated. The prototype has already completed high-speed trials, touching 180 km/h on test tracks.
Rollout Timeline:
| Stage | Milestone | Year |
|---|---|---|
| Prototype Unveiled | Bengaluru | 2024 |
| Testing & Certification | Pan-India Routes | 2024–25 |
| Commercial Launch | Delhi–Patna / Delhi–Howrah | 2025 |
| Wider Deployment | 10+ Routes | 2026–27 |
In its first phase, around ten sleeper trains are planned for deployment, with gradual expansion based on passenger demand and infrastructure readiness.
Vande Bharat Sleeper Ticket Price
The Vande Bharat Sleeper’s pricing strategy places it as a premium yet accessible service. Fares will be broadly aligned with the Rajdhani Express.
| Class | Estimated Fare | Remarks |
|---|---|---|
| AC 3-Tier | ₹2,000 – ₹3,000 | Affordable comfort for long journeys |
| AC 2-Tier | ₹2,500 – ₹4,000 | Premium business-class option |
| First AC | ₹3,000 – ₹5,100 | Luxury experience comparable to air travel |
Pricing Insights:
- Dynamic fares may vary by demand and distance.
- Each ticket includes modern amenities and bedding facilities.
- Passengers can expect digital ticketing, e-catering, and app-based seat controls in later updates.
Vande Bharat Sleeper Coach Design
The design of the Vande Bharat Sleeper trains sets a new benchmark for comfort and technology in Indian Railways.
Key Design Features:
- Aerodynamic structure with a top speed of 180 km/h and operational speed near 160 km/h.
- Comfort-focused interiors featuring wider berths, ambient LED lighting, noise insulation, and touch-panel controls.
- Smart technology: USB chargers, reading lamps, automatic temperature adjustment, and digital displays in every coach.
- Safety enhancements: fire-resistant materials, smoke detection systems, and automatic door control.
- Eco-friendly engineering: regenerative braking and energy-efficient power systems for reduced carbon emissions.
The self-propelled configuration also eliminates the need for separate locomotives, improving acceleration and reducing journey time.
Vande Bharat Sleeper Trains in India- Key Insights and Analysis
Maintenance and Operations
Dedicated depots will maintain the sleeper rakes with quick turnaround servicing. Modular coach designs make cleaning and inspection more efficient, reducing downtime.
Network and Infrastructure Readiness
Indian Railways is upgrading tracks, electrification, and signalling systems (KAVACH and Mission Raftaar) to support higher speeds and ensure safe operation.
Passenger Experience
The Vande Bharat Sleeper is designed for travellers who prefer the comfort of overnight trains but want faster travel and premium amenities—ideal for business, family, and intercity segments.
Environmental Impact
As fully electric trainsets, these sleepers will help reduce diesel dependency and emissions, contributing to India’s sustainability goals.
Vande Bharat Sleeper Train And Rajdhani Express – A Comparison
| Feature | Rajdhani Express | Vande Bharat Sleeper |
|---|---|---|
| Propulsion | Locomotive-hauled | Self-propelled EMU |
| Max Speed | 130 km/h | 160 – 180 km/h |
| Interiors | Conventional | Modern, noise-controlled |
| Doors | Manual | Automatic sliding |
| Time Savings | — | 1 – 2 hours faster |
| Energy Use | Diesel/Electric | Fully electric with regenerative braking |
While Rajdhani remains the benchmark for long-distance comfort, the Vande Bharat Sleeper is the next generation—faster, cleaner, and smarter.
Conclusion
The Vande Bharat sleeper trains symbolize India’s rapid progress in high-speed rail technology. By merging speed, comfort, and innovation, they aim to redefine overnight travel across the nation.
With their advanced design, affordable premium fares, and reduced travel times, these trains will soon become the preferred choice for long-distance passengers—offering a glimpse into the future of Indian Railways.
Source: PIB
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