The public has many expectations from the Union Budget to be presented today, but the most talked-about topic is the Vande Bharat Sleeper Train. This first semi-high-speed sleeper train from Indian Railways will not only rival premium trains like Rajdhani Express but also make long-distance travel extremely comfortable.
Following the overwhelming response to the first train, which began operating between Guwahati and Howrah, the government is now preparing to announce large-scale production and new routes. Significantly, foreign experts are also acknowledging the power of this Indian technology, leading India to plan to export these trains.
Vande Bharat Sleeper is even better than foreign trains
The Vande Bharat Sleeper Train has been developed after extensive study and advanced research of premium trains from several developed countries. Railway experts believe that this train far surpasses many semi-high-speed trains operating abroad in terms of safety, speed, and passenger amenities.
This is why the budget may include a major announcement to double its production. The government’s vision is to not only meet India’s domestic needs but also export it to the international market as a “Made in India” brand. Sleeper coaches are planned to be manufactured at a faster pace than chair cars, eliminating the problem of waiting lists forever.
Good News for Small Cities
Until now, Vande Bharat’s primary focus has been on short-distance and day trips, but the 2026-27 budget is set to change this entirely. The Railway Ministry’s goal is now to connect the national capital, Delhi, with remote areas and major industrial cities. These sleeper trains will be deployed on routes where Rajdhani and other premium trains currently lack foot space.
As these trains run on routes of 1,000 to 1,500 kilometers, they will inevitably pass through smaller stations and towns along the way. This will allow passengers from smaller cities, who until now only saw them pass by, to board trains with world-class amenities. The operation of these new trains will significantly increase railway revenue and guarantee a confirmed ticket for the common man.
24-Coach ‘Super’ Vande Bharat
In response to the ever-increasing passenger demand, the Railways has now begun work on the 24-coach Vande Bharat Sleeper project. The current Vande Bharat train has a limited number of coaches, but the new class of coaches will allow approximately 1,300 passengers to travel at a time. Special funds may be allocated for this large-capacity train in Budget 2026.
Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnav recently indicated that 12 sleeper trains will be operational by the end of this year. Currently, they are being manufactured at BEML in Bengaluru, but to increase production, other major coach factories like Kapurthala and Rae Bareli are also being included in this mission.
What are its special features
The Vande Bharat Sleeper is not only impenetrable in terms of speed but also in terms of safety. It is equipped with an indigenous ‘Kavach’ safety system, which is capable of preventing any human error or accident. Advanced air suspension and soundproofing technology have been used to reduce the shocks experienced by passengers during the journey.
The interior lighting, bio-vacuum toilets, and ergonomically designed berths make it a luxury hotel-like experience. The budget is also likely to include significant investment in research and development to further update these technological features.