Vande Bharat Sleeper Express

Vande Bharat Sleeper Express
First prototype
Overview
Service typeInter-city semi-high-speed rail
StatusOperational
PredecessorRajdhani Express
First service17 January 2026 (17 January 2026)
Current operatorIndian Railways
Websiteindianrail.gov.in
Route
TerminiHowrah Junction (HWH) Kamakhya Junction (KYQ)
Line used1
On-board services
ClassesFirst AC (1A)
Second AC (2A)
Third AC (3A)
Sleeping arrangements
  • Sleeping seats
Catering facilitiesOn-board
Observation facilitiesWide windows
Entertainment facilities
Other facilities
Technical
Rolling stockVande Bharat (sleeper trainset)
Track gauge1,676 mm (5 ft 6 in) broad gauge
Electrification25 kV 50 Hz AC Overhead line
Operating speed180 km/h (110 mph) (maximum) 200 km/h (120 mph) (potential maximum)
Average length16 coaches, 11 coaches 3AC, 4 coaches 2AC, 1 coach First AC
Route map
1st: Howrah-Kamakhya

The Vande Bharat Sleeper Express is a medium to long-distance superfast express service by Indian Railways. It is a reserved, air-conditioned sleeper service connecting cities that are 800 km (500 mi) to 1,200 km (750 mi) apart. It is operated by self-propelling trainsets, designed and manufactured in India. The first prototype of the train set was rolled out by BEML in September 2024. The first service began operation on 17 January 2026.

History

After the roll out of Vande Bharat trains that provided faster connectivity across short-distances, Integral Coach Factory started developing long-distance version of the trainset equipped with sleeper cars.[1] The first prototype was rolled out by BEML in September 2024,[2] and was expected enter commercial service by January 2026.[3][4]

Rolling Stock

Further information: Vande Bharat (sleeper trainset)

The trains uses Electric Multiple Units capable of achieving semi-high speeds of 180 km/h (110 mph).[5] The train's design includes a new aerodynamic front design made from high-strength materials for improved durability and reduced maintenance.[6] Each trainset has sixteen cars, and are capable of accommodating up to 823 passengers.[3][2][7]

Facilities

The service is a reserved, air-conditioned sleeper service connecting cities that are 800 km (500 mi) to 1,200 km (750 mi) apart.[7] It offers three classes of accommodation with one First AC (1A) coach, four Second AC (2A) and 11 Third AC (3A) coaches, which can accommodate 24, 188 and 611 passengers respectively.[2][5] The coaches are equipped with electric outlets, reading lights, CCTV cameras, automatic doors, bio-vacuum toilets, sensor-based water taps, and Passenger information system.[3][7] It also contains fully air-conditioned locomotive cabins with dedicated toilets for train drivers.[2][7] The trains are equipped with kavach train protection and emergency talk back systems.[8][9] The service offers onboard catering with both vegetarian and non-vegetarian meal options.[10]

Services

The first commercial service was launched on 17 January 2026.[11] Indian Railways plans to roll out 12 Vande Bharat Sleeper express trains by March 2027. [12]

Service Train Number Zone Distance Travel time Speed Inaugural run
Maximum[a] Average
Howrah-Kamakhya 27575/27576 NFR 959 km (596 mi) 14h 00m 110 km/h (68 mph) 68 km/h (42 mph) 17 January 2026[13]

See also

Notes

  1. ^ Maximum permissible speed as approved by the Commissioner of Railway Safety

References

  1. ^ "'Vande Bharat may soon replace Rajdhani and Shatabdi' — In conversation with BG Mallya, GM at ICF, Chennai". The Financial Express. 9 March 2023. Archived from the original on 6 June 2023. Retrieved 1 December 2023.
  2. ^ a b c d "First Vande Bharat sleeper train to run in three months in Karnataka: Vaishnaw". The New Indian Express. 2 September 2024. Archived from the original on 3 September 2024. Retrieved 2 September 2024.
  3. ^ a b c "Vande Bharat sleeper coaches to be dispatched from Bengaluru's BEML soon". The Financial Express. 29 August 2024. Archived from the original on 2 September 2024. Retrieved 2 September 2024.
  4. ^ "'Best in the world': Railway minister Ashwini Vaishnav unveils Vande Bharat sleeper coach in Bengaluru". The Hindustan Times. 1 September 2024. Archived from the original on 1 September 2024. Retrieved 2 September 2024.
  5. ^ a b "Bengaluru: First Vande Bharat Prototype Sleeper Train Unveiled in India, Check Details". News18. 1 September 2024. Archived from the original on 1 September 2024. Retrieved 2 September 2024.
  6. ^ "Vande Bharat Sleeper: Trainset to get advanced amenities, airplane-like features". Money Control. 1 September 2024. Archived from the original on 1 September 2024. Retrieved 2 September 2024.
  7. ^ a b c d "Vande Bharat Sleeper Express features promise better comfort, safety, and more". India Today. 2 September 2024. Archived from the original on 2 September 2024. Retrieved 2 September 2024.
  8. ^ "How much does a Vande Bharat Sleeper train coach cost?". The Indian Express. 2 January 2026. Retrieved 3 January 2026.
  9. ^ "PM Modi to launch first Vande Bharat sleeper this month". The Indian Express. 2 January 2026. Retrieved 3 January 2026.
  10. ^ "Vande Bharat Sleeper Coach Prototype Revealed: See photos, features of new 'aam aadmi' train, better than Rajdhani". The Economic Times. 2 September 2024. Archived from the original on 1 September 2024. Retrieved 2 September 2024.
  11. ^ Joshi, Mahima (17 January 2026). "PM Modi Flags Off India's First Vande Bharat Sleeper Train Between Guwahati And Howrah". News 18. Retrieved 17 January 2026.
  12. ^ "Vande Bharat Sleeper trains to cover 1,000–1,500 km routes; 12 trains set for launch in 2026". The Indian Express. 1 January 2026. Retrieved 3 January 2026.
  13. ^ "PM Modi Launches India's First Vande Bharat Sleeper on Howrah–Kamakhya Route". Times Now. 17 January 2026. Retrieved 17 January 2026.
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