First Vande Bharat Sleeper Train Service Expected to Start from New Delhi; Routes Being Evaluated

The inaugural run of the Vande Bharat Sleeper train is expected to begin from New Delhi, according to the Economic Times reports. This would be in line with the first Vande Bharat Express, which was launched in 2019 on the Delhi-Varanasi route. 

Though the exact date has not been confirmed, Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw indicated last month that the rollout would happen in September. The train may debut just ahead of Diwali.

Routes Under Discussion

Several destinations are being considered for the sleeper’s first run. Options include Ahmedabad, Bhopal, and Patna via Varanasi. On the Delhi-Patna corridor, the train is expected to cover the journey in around 11.5 hours, reducing the usual travel time of 12-17 hours. The train is likely to follow an overnight schedule.

Prototype and Trials

The first 16-coach prototype of the Vande Bharat Sleeper was manufactured at the Integral Coach Factory in Chennai in December 2024. Trial runs were carried out earlier this year. On January 15, 2025, the train completed a 540-km test run between Mumbai and Ahmedabad. In Rajasthan’s Kota division, it touched speeds of 180 kmph during shorter trials.

Train Configuration and Capacity

Each Vande Bharat Sleeper will have 24 coaches with a seating capacity of about 1,128 passengers. The coaches will be divided into AC First, AC 2-Tier, and AC 3-Tier. The train has been designed for a maximum speed of 180 kmph, though the operational speed will be capped at 160 kmph.

Production and Future Plans

As per news reports, the coaches are being manufactured by Bharat Earth Movers Limited. Large-scale production of the 24-coach sets is expected to start in 2026-27. At present, Indian Railways operates more than 100 Vande Bharat chair-car trains across different routes, which together recorded an occupancy of over 100% in 2024-25.

Read more: Indian Railways to Extend Vande Bharat Trains Due to Increased Passenger Demand!

Conclusion

The introduction of the sleeper version will add an overnight option to the Vande Bharat network. The first service is set to roll out from Delhi, with final route details expected to be announced soon.

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