Following the AC chair car version of the Vande Bharat, its sleeper version is now ready to hit the tracks! Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnav has confirmed that the first Vande Bharat Sleeper train will be flagged off only after the second train is fully ready. The coaches for this revolutionary train are being developed in a ground-breaking new design. At Bharat Mandapam in Delhi, the Indo-Russian joint venture KINET Railway Solutions has unveiled the stunning concept of the first Vande Bharat Sleeper First AC coach, marking the beginning of a new era for Indian Railways.
Features of the First AC Coach of the Vande Bharat Sleeper
The First AC compartment of the Vande Bharat Sleeper will provide passengers with an experience of international standards in comfort and convenience. The First AC compartment will feature extremely comfortable reclining seats and beds. For passenger convenience, state-of-the-art features such as charging points, premium-quality mobile phone holders, and water bottle holders have been provided on every berth. This train will be India’s first high-speed luxury sleeper train, featuring features such as noise-free interiors, automatic doors, sensor lighting, and charging facilities at every berth.
Display at IREE 2025
This design concept was first showcased by KINET Railway Solutions at the International Railway Equipment Exhibition (IREE 2025), attracting the attention of railway enthusiasts and industry experts.
Massive Manufacturing and Production Mission
The Vande Bharat Sleeper coaches are being manufactured in Latur, Maharashtra, marking a new chapter in comfort and technology in the history of Indian Railways. This company is a joint venture between India’s Rail Vikas Nigam Limited (RVNL) and Russia’s largest rolling stock manufacturer, CJSC Transmashholding. The company has been entrusted with the enormous responsibility of designing and manufacturing 120 Vande Bharat Sleeper trainsets, or 1,920 coaches. Additionally, they will be responsible for maintenance for 35 years. Each train set will have 16 coaches. The company expects to launch the prototype by June 2026.
Production Responsibility
Indian Railways has awarded the contract to manufacture Vande Bharat Sleeper trains to three companies: public sector BEML, KINET Railway Solutions, and a consortium of Titagarh Rail Systems Limited and BHEL.
Launch Strategy
The Ministry of Railways has decided to launch two Vande Bharat Sleeper trains simultaneously to make a significant impact in the market. Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnav has clarified that the first Vande Bharat Sleeper train will be rolled out only after the second train is fully ready. BEML is manufacturing this train using technology from the Integral Coach Factory (ICF). This strategy will ensure adequate availability for passengers and strengthen the launch of the new sleeper service. After the rollout of the prototype in June 2026, passengers will not have to wait long to travel on these luxury trains.