The Integral Coach Factory (ICF) in Chennai is gearing up for a major expansion in rail travel comfort as it finalizes plans to manufacture the new 24-coach Vande Bharat Sleeper trainsets. With all structural designs and technical documentation now complete, the facility is set to begin production on 50 of these high-capacity trainsets. This development marks a significant step forward in enhancing passenger capacity across the Indian Railways network following the positive reception of the existing 16-coach variants.
Key highlights regarding the upcoming 24-coach Vande Bharat Sleeper trains include:
- Capacity upgrade: Each train will offer 1,224 berths, significantly higher than the 823 berths in the 16-coach version.
- Coach composition: The configuration includes 17 AC 3-tier coaches, 5 AC 2-tier coaches, 1 AC First Class coach, and 1 dedicated AC pantry car.
- Strategic timeline: The prototype is expected to roll out by the end of 2026, with full-scale production scheduled for the 2026-27 fiscal year.
- Technical support: Propulsion systems for these new rakes have been secured through partnerships with Alstom and Medha Servo Drives Pvt Ltd.
Boosting Long Distance Travel
ICF General Manager Manish Agarwal confirmed that the preparations are in full swing to ensure these trainsets meet the high standards expected by modern rail travelers. By increasing the number of coaches to 24, Indian Railways aims to cater to the growing demand for premium long-distance travel, providing a smoother and more comfortable experience for passengers across the country.
Strategic Rollout Plan
While the 16-coach Vande Bharat Sleeper trains have already begun setting benchmarks in terms of speed and passenger amenities, the 24-coach variant is designed specifically to handle higher traffic volumes on busy routes. The use of advanced propulsion systems from global leaders like Alstom and domestic expertise from Medha Servo Drives ensures that these trains will maintain the signature acceleration and safety features associated with the Vande Bharat brand. As production cycles ramp up through the 2026-27 fiscal year, passengers can look forward to a more robust and efficient long-distance rail network, solidifying the Vande Bharat series as the backbone of India’s modernized railway fleet.