Vande Bharat Sleeper: Indian Railways plans 9 new routes including Delhi-Mumbai
Indian Railways is preparing to launch the Vande Bharat Sleeper trains to provide a modern alternative for long-distance overnight travel. These trains will compete with the Rajdhani Express by offering faster speeds and better facilities. The government plans to connect major cities across the country with these high-speed sleeper coaches.
Which are the proposed routes for Vande Bharat Sleeper
Indian Railways is currently discussing nine new routes for the sleeper version. While these are under consideration and not yet officially confirmed, the Delhi-Mumbai route is a primary focus. Other potential corridors include:
- New Delhi to Ahmedabad
- New Delhi to Howrah
- New Delhi to Chennai
- New Delhi to Secunderabad
- New Delhi to Pune
- Mumbai to Ahmedabad
- Mumbai to Bengaluru (Approved)
- New Delhi to Srinagar
What are the features and launch timelines
The trains will operate at speeds between 130 to 150 km/h and cover distances of 1,000 to 1,500 kilometers. They will include smart lighting, high-speed Wi-Fi, CCTV security, and the indigenous Kavach safety system. Regarding the launch, RVNL has targeted December 2026 for its first prototype, while other reports mentioned earlier targets in 2025.
| Entity | Role/Detail |
|---|---|
| RDSO | Completed trials of the 16-coach prototype |
| BEML & ICF | Development and technology partners |
| RVNL | Manufacturing 120 train sets worth Rs 14,400 crore |
| Ashwini Vaishnaw | Railway Minister overseeing modernization |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
When will the Vande Bharat Sleeper train start?
Different timelines have been mentioned, with RVNL targeting December 2026 for its first prototype and other reports suggesting dates in 2025.
What special features will the Vande Bharat Sleeper have?
The trains will feature comfortable berths, high-speed Wi-Fi, smart lighting, CCTV security, and the Kavach safety technology for passenger protection.