Indian Railways is set to significantly boost its long-distance connectivity by introducing 50 new 24-coach Vande Bharat Sleeper trainsets. This major production initiative, led by the Integral Coach Factory (ICF) in Chennai, aims to cater to the growing demand for premium overnight travel across the country. By increasing the coach count, Railways is focusing on maximizing passenger capacity on high-traffic routes.
Key highlights of the new 24-coach Vande Bharat Sleeper project include:
- Production of 50 new trainsets at the Integral Coach Factory (ICF) in Chennai.
- Each trainset will feature a total of 1,224 berths, offering 401 more seats than the 16-coach version.
- The trainsets are designed for a maximum operational speed of 160 kmph.
- Target to roll out 12 sleeper trainsets by December 2026.
- State-of-the-art amenities including Wi-Fi, CCTV, and the Kavach automatic train protection system.
Strategic Expansion and Design
As of August 18, 2026, ICF officials confirmed that the technical blueprints for these 24-coach units are finalized. According to ICF General Manager Manish Agarwal, the design phase covering structural assemblies and coach-to-coach interfaces is complete, allowing manufacturing to begin shortly. The proposed composition for these trains includes 17 AC 3-tier coaches, five AC 2-tier coaches, one AC First Class coach, and one dedicated pantry car.
Modern Amenities and Safety
These trains are built to provide a world-class passenger experience. Travelers can expect individual reading lights, dedicated charging ports, and modern vacuum-assisted toilets. Safety remains the cornerstone of this design, with the integration of CCTV surveillance and the indigenous Kavach safety system, which prevents signal passing at danger and ensures collision avoidance.
This initiative stands apart from existing orders placed with BEML and other consortiums, signaling a massive push to modernize the Indian rail network. Following the successful launch of the 16-coach Vande Bharat sleeper service between Howrah and Kamakhya in January 2026, this expansion is expected to provide a significant boost to the railway manufacturing ecosystem and improve the overall travel experience for millions of passengers.