Vande Bharat Sleeper: Indian Railways Shifts Production Focus
Indian Railways is prioritizing Vande Bharat Sleeper trains for long-distance travel. Learn about the new manufacturing schedule and design updates.
Indian Railways is undergoing a major strategic shift in its manufacturing priorities to transform long-distance overnight travel. The focus is now moving heavily toward the development of the Vande Bharat Sleeper variant, aiming to provide a premium experience for passengers traveling across the country.
Massive Push for Sleeper Variants
The Integral Coach Factory (ICF) in Chennai has been tasked with a significant production mandate. The facility is currently prioritizing the manufacturing of 40 new Vande Bharat Sleeper trains. According to the latest schedules, the production of these advanced sleeper rakes is set to commence in January 2027.
To ensure these trains meet the highest standards of comfort and safety, the ICF is working toward a critical deadline of November 10, 2026, to finalize the design for the 24-coach Vande Bharat Sleeper configuration. Once the design is complete, the first prototype is expected to be ready by May or June 2027, after which it will undergo rigorous mandatory safety and operational trials.
Replacing the Aging Shatabdi Fleet
While the sleeper trains are the new priority, the production of chair car variants has not been halted. In a significant policy directive issued in January 2026, the Railway Board mandated the production of 1,500 Vande Bharat chair car coaches. This is equivalent to approximately 88 rakes and is planned to be executed over a four-year period from 2026-27 to 2029-30.
These chair car units are intended to serve a specific purpose: modernizing the fleet by replacing the existing, aging Shatabdi Express trains, ensuring that daytime high-speed travel remains top-tier.
Industry Collaboration and Current Services
The development of these high-tech trains is a collaborative effort involving major industrial players. BEML is working closely with the ICF on these production efforts. Furthermore, the contracts for essential propulsion equipment have already been awarded to Medha Servo Drives and Alstom.
While the massive production of new sleeper rakes is still in the planning and design stages, Vande Bharat Sleeper services are already making their presence felt on key routes, including:
- Howrah–Kamakhya
- Mumbai–Bengaluru