New Delhi: According to an official release from the Ministry of Railways, Indian Railways is poised to transform long-distance travel with the Vande Bharat Sleeper Train Set, a cutting-edge addition to the nation’s fleet that is expanding at the quickest rate.

The first 16-car Vande Bharat Sleeper Train Set has successfully finished rigorous trials by the Research Designs & Standards Organization (RDSO) on 15 January 2025 for a five hundred forty-kilometer distance in the Mumbai-Ahmedabad section, making the dream of a world-class, high-speed sleeper train a reality. According to the Ministry’s official release, the first Vande Bharat Sleeper Train in India was manufactured by Integral Coach Factory in Chennai and finished on December 17.

The train was sent to the Kota division in two weeks, and during the first week of last month, it was successfully tested for three days in a row across short distances of 30 to 40 kilometers, achieving a pleasant travel experience at a high speed of 180 kilometers per hour, the announcement noted.

This accomplishment represents a major advancement in railway modernization, guaranteeing travelers a smooth and opulent journey. The Vande Bharat Sleeper trains, which prioritize comfort, speed, and state-of-the-art technology, are poised to revolutionize nighttime travel for the general public in the days ahead, the statement said.

Nine further Vande Bharat sleeper train sets will be produced between April and December 2025 after the prototype’s successful testing. These trains will raise the bar for long-distance passengers’ convenience and efficiency.

The announcement said that on December 17, 2024, Indian Railways placed a significant order for propulsion electrics for 50 rakes of the 24-car Vande Bharat Sleeper Train Sets in order to fuel this ambitious deployment. Two top Indian manufacturers have been given the order, and it should be ready in two years.

According to the announcement, India’s railway technological independence would be further strengthened in 2026–2027 when full-scale manufacture of the 24-car Vande Bharat Sleeper Train Sets begins.

Features like automated doors, very cozy sleepers, WiFi on board, and an aircraft-like look are all part of the Vande Bharat sleeper trains’ design. Through the 136 Vande Bharat trains that travel medium and short distances around the nation, passengers in India are already enjoying comfortable seats and a first-rate travel experience. With top-notch facilities and cutting-edge safety measures, travelers can anticipate a more peaceful, seamless, and pleasant trip with the Vande Bharat Sleeper. According to the Ministry’s statement, this train, which was created and constructed as part of the Make in India campaign, is a testament to India’s technical prowess and dedication to revolutionizing rail travel.

The Vande Bharat Sleeper Train Set is a monument to the country’s goal of contemporary, effective, and passenger-friendly transportation as Indian Railways advances this game-changing initiative.
The Railway Ministry’s announcement further said that the train can carry 1,128 people in total and includes 16 coaches split into three classes: AC First Class, AC 2-Tier, and AC 3-Tier.

Additionally, it has automated doors, cushioned berths, crash buffers, deformation tubes, fire barrier walls, and WiFi on board.

Following an analysis of the trial runs, the Research Designs & Standards Organization (RDSO) will provide a final certificate prior to the operationalization of India’s first Vande Bharat sleeper train. The statement also said that the railway safety commissioner would assess the train at its maximum speed.