India’s first Vande Bharat Sleeper Train is almost ready to revolutionize long-distance travel. The first of its kind will operate between New Delhi and Howrah Station in Kolkata, marking a new era in comfortable and high-speed rail journeys. Two train sets have already been built, and preparations are underway to expand this service to other major routes across the country.

However, limited production capacity was initially a hurdle. To tackle this, a brand-new dedicated factory for Vande Bharat Sleeper Trains has now been launched, promising faster and larger-scale manufacturing in the near future.

The newly inaugurated Vande Bharat Sleeper Train factory is located at Uttarpara, Kolkata. It has been developed through a collaboration between Titagarh Rail Systems Limited (TRSL) and Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited (BHEL). This specialized facility features a production line designed exclusively for manufacturing Vande Bharat Sleeper coaches.

The inauguration ceremony was led by Umesh Chowdhary, Vice Chairman and Managing Director of TRSL, and Bani Verma, Director at BHEL. Indian Railways has awarded a significant contract to TRSL for the manufacturing of 80 Vande Bharat Sleeper train sets under this joint agreement with BHEL.

Production work at the Uttarpara unit has already started. It is expected that the first fully functional Vande Bharat Sleeper Train will be ready by next year.

This factory is truly cutting-edge, built around the principles of Industry 4.0 — a modern production model emphasizing advanced technology and automation. The facility boasts robotic production lines, making it one of the most advanced train manufacturing hubs in India.

Uniquely, it is the only factory in India capable of producing both stainless steel and aluminum coaches under one roof, ensuring versatility and innovation in design and manufacturing.

The Vande Bharat Sleeper Train is set to become India’s first semi-high-speed train for long-distance travel with sleeper coaches. What makes it even more special is that the train has been entirely designed in India, showcasing indigenous engineering excellence.

These sleeper coaches will not just offer comfort but also come equipped with smart features and high-end safety systems. Built for energy efficiency, the trains will consume less electricity while delivering a smooth and premium travel experience. From smart lighting systems to upgraded onboard facilities, these trains aim to redefine intercity rail journeys in India.

• High-Speed Comfort: Designed for semi-high-speed travel, enabling faster journeys across major cities.

• Advanced Safety Features: Enhanced systems to ensure passenger security.

• Modern Interiors: Smart amenities for a more comfortable and connected travel experience.

• Energy Efficiency: Optimized to run on lower power, supporting India’s green initiatives.

• Fully Indigenous Design: Reflects the ‘Make in India’ initiative by promoting local innovation.

With production now ramping up at the Uttarpara facility, the dream of seeing Vande Bharat Sleeper Trains running on multiple routes will soon become a reality. After New Delhi-Howrah, other prominent routes are expected to be introduced in phases, offering more Indians a chance to experience world-class rail travel within the country.

The launch of the Vande Bharat Sleeper version marks a major milestone not just for Indian Railways but also for the country’s growing capabilities in high-tech transportation infrastructure.

Stay tuned — the future of Indian train travel is about to get a lot more exciting!