Indian Railways is planning to expand its premium fleet by introducing Vande Bharat sleeper trains on 9 new routes. These trains are designed for long-distance overnight travel to make journeys more comfortable. Some of these services are expected to start from August 2026.
Which are the proposed routes for Vande Bharat Sleeper?
The Delhi-Mumbai corridor is one of the most important routes in this plan. While the Mumbai-Bengaluru route is already approved, several other high-demand corridors are under consideration. The proposed routes are listed below:
| Proposed Route | Status/Detail |
|---|---|
| Delhi-Mumbai | Proposed |
| Mumbai-Bengaluru | Approved |
| New Delhi-Ahmedabad | Proposed |
| New Delhi-Howrah | Proposed |
| New Delhi-Chennai | Proposed |
| New Delhi-Secunderabad | Proposed |
| New Delhi-Pune | Proposed |
| Mumbai-Ahmedabad | Proposed |
| New Delhi-Srinagar | Proposed |
What are the features and speed of these trains?
These trains will run at a maximum speed of 160 km/h, with a design capacity of 180 km/h. Each train will have 16 coaches and can carry around 823 passengers. To ensure safety, the trains will be equipped with the indigenous Kavach technology and CCTV cameras.
Passengers will get premium facilities including comfortable berths, high-speed Wi-Fi, smart lighting, and modern toilets. The first AC coach for the Mumbai-Bengaluru route was recently unveiled, showing a focus on luxury and convenience for overnight travelers.
What is the rollout timeline for these trains?
The first prototype was rolled out in September 2024, and commercial services began on January 17, 2026. BEML is producing the first ten trainsets, while other contracts have been awarded to Kinet Railway Systems and the BHEL-Titagarh consortium. Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw stated in April 2026 that 12 sleeper trains would be operational by the end of the year.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
When will the new Vande Bharat sleeper routes start?
While some services began in January 2026, reports indicate that several of the 9 proposed new routes are expected to launch by August 2026.
What is the speed and capacity of Vande Bharat sleeper trains?
These trains will operate at speeds up to 160 km/h and each trainset will have 16 coaches with a total capacity of approximately 823 passengers.