The goal of this highly anticipated train service is to follow in the long-distance success of Vande Bharat’s semi-high-speed fleet.
Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw’s announcement
During a Sunday event in Bhavnagar, Gujarat, Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw affirmed that the country’s first Vande Bharat Sleeper Train would begin operations in September 2025.
“Vande Sleeper is coming very soon – in September,” Vaishnaw said. Following previous developments such as the Vande Bharat Express, Amrit Bharat, and Namo Bharat services, this milestone marks the next phase in the modernisation of Indian Railways.
Vaishnaw announced three other new train services: the Rewa–Pune Express, the Bhavnagar Terminus–Ayodhya Cantt Express, and a new train that will connect Jabalpur and Raipur.
नमो भारत गाड़ी, जोकि आसपास के दो शहरों को जोड़ने वाली है। अपने अहमदाबाद और भुज के बीच एक चल रही है। और बिहार में जयनगर से पटना के बीच में, ये सब नए तरह की गाड़ियां हैं। बहुत जल्द ही वंदे स्लीपर आने वाली हैः माननीय रेल मंत्री श्री @AshwiniVaishnaw जी pic.twitter.com/QKjuxZzcCm
— Ministry of Railways (@RailMinIndia) August 3, 2025
Vande Bharat Sleeper Coach Features
This semi-high-speed EMU (electric multiple unit), specifically designed for overnight long-distance travel, will have the following features:
With a capacity of about 1,128 passengers, there are 16 coaches divided among three classes: AC First Class, AC 2 Tier, and AC 3 Tier.
A maximum speed of 180 km/h, much faster than traditional overnight trains.
Amenities
The Vande Bharat Sleeper has a ton of comfort and technology amenities:
Real-time audio and video announcements and passenger information displays.
Reading lights with USB integration, modular pantry units, disabled-friendly berths and toilets, and security CCTV cameras.
First AC coaches will have hot water showers, which is a first for Indian Railways.
Talk-back devices, sensor-based doors, accessible restrooms and berths for travellers with disabilities, and touch-free bio-vacuum toilets.
Emergency brakes, anti-climbing technology, and Kavach anti-collision are a couple of advanced safety features.
???? Vande Bharat sleeper trains to be operational from next month.
30 trains planned for FY26. pic.twitter.com/5LFTa6bCUj— Indian Tech & Infra (@IndianTechGuide) June 17, 2025
Who’s building it
The Vande Bharat Sleeper train has been built by BEML (Bharat Earth Movers Limited) using the Integral Coach Factory (ICF) technology. A special Vande Bharat Sleeper coach depot and workshop is being built near Bengaluru to facilitate operations; it is expected to be completed by early 2026.
The new sleeper trains, 10 of which are currently being produced in Bengaluru by BEML and ICF, will be maintained and inspected at this future facility. The sleeper version will increase connections throughout the night, as there are currently six Vande Bharat chair car services operating from the city.
Routes and Fares
Major routes, including New Delhi to Howrah, New Delhi to Mumbai, New Delhi to Pune, and New Delhi to Secunderabad, are potential contenders; the precise routes are yet to be decided.
Vande Bharat Sleeper train fares are expected to be middle-class-friendly.
