Indian Railways Plans 260 Vande Bharat Sleeper Trains for Long Journeys

Indian Railways Plans 260 Vande Bharat Sleeper Trainsets

Indian Railways has announced plans to manufacture 260 Vande Bharat Sleeper trainsets, marking a major step toward modernising long-distance passenger travel in India. The sleeper variant of the semi-high-speed Vande Bharat Express has been indigenously designed and developed to cater to journeys of up to 1,500 kilometres.

In a written reply in the Lok Sabha, Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw stated that the induction of Vande Bharat Sleeper trains into regular service will be done in a phased manner, depending on passenger demand and operational preparedness.

Current Status of Vande Bharat Sleeper Trains

At present, two Vande Bharat Sleeper rakes have been manufactured and are operational after undergoing extensive trials. These trains are running on the Howrah–Kamakhya and Kamakhya–Howrah routes, providing long-distance connectivity between eastern and northeastern India.

According to the Railway Minister, the successful trials and initial operations have paved the way for scaling up production. The planned fleet of 260 sleeper trainsets will gradually be introduced across key long-haul routes in the country.

Designed for Long-Distance Comfort

Unlike the chair car versions of Vande Bharat Express, the sleeper variant is specifically designed for overnight and extended journeys. It combines modern amenities, enhanced safety features, and faster travel times while maintaining passenger comfort on routes traditionally served by conventional sleeper trains.

The expansion of Vande Bharat Sleeper services aligns with Indian Railways’ broader vision of self-reliance, modernisation, and improved passenger experience, while reducing dependence on older rolling stock.