Indian Railways is planning to change long distance travel by introducing 260 new Vande Bharat Sleeper trainsets. Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw informed the Lok Sabha that these trains will focus on safety and comfort for passengers. The first commercial service already started on the Howrah-Kamakhya route on January 17, 2026.
Who will manufacture these new sleeper trains?
The government has divided the manufacturing work among different companies to speed up the process. BEML and ICF Chennai are working together on the initial rakes, while Kinet Railway Solutions and the Titagarh-BHEL consortium have larger contracts.
| Manufacturer | Quantity/Role | Key Timeline |
|---|---|---|
| BEML & ICF | Initial prototypes and 50 rakes | Prototype rolled out Sept 2024 |
| Kinet Railway Solutions | 120 train sets | First prototype by Q1 2027 |
| Titagarh-BHEL | 80 train sets | First complete train by Q3 FY2027 |
What are the main features of Vande Bharat Sleeper?
These trains are designed for routes between 800 km and 1500 km to provide a hotel-like experience. They will operate at speeds up to 160 kmph and feature advanced safety systems like KAVACH and crashworthy car bodies. Passengers will get better lighting, low noise levels, and automatic plug doors for a premium feel.
Which new routes are being planned?
Apart from the Howrah-Kamakhya service, a new route between KSR Bengaluru and CSMT Mumbai is expected to start by August 2026 via Solapur and Kalaburagi. The Railway Minister also mentioned that 12 Vande Bharat Sleeper trains will be introduced by December 2026 to meet passenger demand.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
When will the Bengaluru-Mumbai Vande Bharat Sleeper start?
The service between KSR Bengaluru and CSMT Mumbai is expected to begin by August 2026, operating via Solapur and Kalaburagi.
How many Vande Bharat Sleeper trains are being made in total?
Indian Railways plans to manufacture a total of 260 Vande Bharat Sleeper trainsets to modernize long-distance travel.