New Delhi: Indian Railways is set to start long-distance travel with the Vande Bharat Sleeper Train Set, a state-of-the-art addition to the country's fastest-growing fleet. The high-speed sleeper train is now a reality as the first 16-car Vande Bharat Sleeper Train Set has successfully completed rigorous trials by the Research Designs & Standards Organisation (RDSO) on January 15, 2025, for five hundred forty kilometre distance in the Mumbai-Ahmedabad section, the Ministry of Railways informed.
"Integral Coach Factory, Chennai completed manufacturing of India's first Vande Bharat Sleeper Train set last year on December 17. Within a fortnight the train was brought to the Kota division and was successfully tested for short distances of 30 to 40 kilometres for three days in a row in the first week of last month, where it achieved a comfortable travel experience at a high speed of 180 km per hour," it said.
This achievement marks a significant leap in railway modernisation, promising a seamless and luxurious travel experience for passengers. With a focus on comfort, speed, and cutting-edge technology, the Vande Bharat Sleeper trains are set to redefine the overnight journeys for masses in the days to come, the Railway Ministry said.
After the successful trial of the prototype, the production of nine more Vande Bharat Sleeper Train Sets is scheduled between April and December 2025. These trains will set new benchmarks in efficiency and convenience for long-haul travellers, it said.
To power this ambitious rollout, Indian Railways has placed a major order for propulsion electrics for 50 rakes of the 24-car Vande Bharat Sleeper Train Sets on December 17, 2024. The order has been awarded to two leading Indian manufacturers, which is likely to be ready in 2-year time frame, the railway officials said.
Looking ahead, full-scale production of the 24-car Vande Bharat Sleeper Train Sets will commence in 2026-27, further strengthening India’s self-reliance in railway technology, they said.
These Vande Bharat sleeper trains are designed with features like automatic doors, ultra-comfortable berths, onboard WiFi & an aircraft-like design. Passengers in India are already enjoying reclining seats & a world-class travel experience through 136 Vande Bharat trains running across the country on medium & short distances, the Ministry said.
With the Vande Bharat Sleeper, passengers can expect a quieter, smoother, and more comfortable journey, equipped with world-class amenities and advanced safety features. Designed and built under the Make in India initiative, this train embodies India's engineering excellence and commitment to transforming rail travel, it added.
