Indian Railways is preparing to launch Vande Bharat Sleeper trains for long-distance travelers. These trains will offer a faster and more comfortable alternative to Rajdhani Express. The Railway Minister has already approved the Mumbai-Bengaluru route, and several other major cities will be connected soon.
Which are the proposed routes for Vande Bharat Sleeper
The railways are planning to operate these trains on 9 new routes. While the Howrah-Guwahati (Kamakhya) service started on January 17, 2026, the following routes are now under consideration or approved:
| Route Status | City Pairs |
|---|---|
| Approved/Priority | Mumbai – Bengaluru, Delhi – Mumbai |
| Proposed/Planned | New Delhi – Ahmedabad, New Delhi – Howrah, New Delhi – Chennai |
| Proposed/Planned | New Delhi – Secunderabad, New Delhi – Pune, Mumbai – Ahmedabad, New Delhi – Srinagar |
What are the special features of these trains
These trains are designed for overnight journeys with a maximum speed of 180 kmph and an operational speed of 160 kmph. They will be equipped with the indigenous Kavach safety system for better security.
- Coach Layout: 16 coaches including 11 AC 3-tier, 4 AC 2-tier, and 1 AC First Class.
- Passenger Capacity: Approximately 823 passengers per train.
- Modern Amenities: Airplane-like interiors, UV-C lamp disinfection in AC units, and bio-vacuum toilets.
- Comfort: Ergonomic ladders for upper berths and noise-reducing coach technology.
What is the rollout plan and timeline
The first prototype was released by BEML in September 2024. The government plans to introduce 12 Vande Bharat Sleeper trains by March 2027, with a total target of 260 trainsets. The remaining units are expected to be delivered at a rate of one rake per month until August 2026.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
When will Vande Bharat Sleeper trains start on new routes?
The first service started in January 2026. The railways plan to launch 12 such trains by March 2027, with more routes becoming active from August 2026.
What is the capacity and speed of the Vande Bharat Sleeper?
The trains have a design speed of 180 kmph and an operational speed of 160 kmph. A 16-coach set can carry around 823 passengers.