Vande Bharat Sleeper Train Launch in September: A Game Changer for Long-Distance Indian Rail Travel

 

Vande Bharat Sleeper Train to Launch in September: Modern Comfort for Overnight Rail Travel

In a significant development for Indian Railways, the first Vande Bharat Sleeper train is all set to hit the tracks in September 2025, ushering in a new era of semi-high-speed overnight train travel. Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw confirmed the news during an event in Bhavnagar, Gujarat, highlighting the government’s ongoing efforts to modernize India’s railway infrastructure.

A Leap Forward in Train Travel Comfort

Developed by BEML using Integral Coach Factory (ICF) technology, the Vande Bharat Sleeper is designed to offer a luxurious and comfortable travel experience over long distances. Unlike the existing chair car-only Vande Bharat trains, this sleeper variant will include three travel classes:

• AC First Class
• AC 2-Tier
• AC 3-Tier

With 16 coaches and a capacity of 1,128 passengers, this train is tailored to compete with overnight services like the Rajdhani Express, which it is expected to gradually replace.

Cutting-Edge Passenger Amenities

The Vande Bharat Sleeper train will feature a host of modern onboard amenities aimed at improving passenger experience:

• Individual reading lights with USB charging
• Advanced display panels for public announcements and visual info
• Surveillance cameras for enhanced safety
• Modular pantries for fresh onboard catering
• Dedicated berths and washrooms for differently-abled passengers
• Hot water showers in the First AC class

These features not only prioritize comfort but also ensure inclusivity and security.

Speed, Routes, and Launch Status

The sleeper train is designed to run at a maximum speed of 180 kmph, potentially making it one of India’s fastest overnight trains. While the exact routes are yet to be finalized by the Railway Board, possible options include:

• New Delhi–Howrah
• New Delhi–Mumbai
• New Delhi–Pune
• New Delhi–Secunderabad

Ticket pricing is also under consideration, but as per Minister Vaishnaw, fares will remain affordable and middle-class-friendly.

The Legacy of Train 20

Initially conceptualized in 2018 as "Train 20"—a sleeper counterpart to the then “Train 18” (now Vande Bharat Express)—the project faced delays due to tender issues. However, after new tenders were finalized in 2023, the prototype was launched in 2024, paving the way for its September 2025 rollout.

Part of a Larger Transformation

The Vande Bharat Sleeper is just one of many initiatives under Prime Minister Narendra Modi's rail modernization mission. According to Vaishnaw:

• Over 34,000 km of new tracks have been laid.
• 1,300 railway stations are being redeveloped.
• Trains like Amrit Bharat, Namo Bharat, and Vande Bharat Express are already operational.

The Mumbai-Ahmedabad Bullet Train project is also progressing rapidly and is expected to reduce travel time between the two cities to just 2 hours and 7 minutes.

Regional Developments and Infrastructure Boost

Apart from national projects, the Porbandar and Bhavnagar regions in Gujarat are witnessing extensive railway upgrades:

• A new Porbandar–Rajkot train via Wansjaliya and Jetalsar
• A coach maintenance facility worth ₹135 crore at Ranavav
• New flyover and cargo terminals in Bhavnagar
• Development of a modern container terminal to improve port connectivity

These regional developments align with the national goal of making Indian Railways world-class and future-ready.

Conclusion: A New Era in Indian Railways

With the launch of the Vande Bharat Sleeper train, Indian Railways is set to redefine overnight travel for millions of passengers. Offering a mix of speed, safety, luxury, and affordability, it could provide a viable alternative to air travel for long-distance routes.

As India prepares for this historic rollout, the Vande Bharat Sleeper train is expected to set new standards in comfort, convenience, and connectivity, marking yet another milestone in the transformation of India’s rail network.