Vande Bharat Sleeper Train Launch Delayed as Railway Ministry Flags Design Issues

The debut of the highly anticipated Vande Bharat sleeper trains, initially expected in October 2025, has been postponed.

The Railway Ministry has identified several design and furnishing issues that need to be rectified before the trains begin service, ensuring they meet safety and comfort standards for long-distance passengers.

Railway Ministry Flags Design and Furnishing Issues

According to a recent Railway Board communication to the Research Designs and Standards Organisation (RDSO) and General Managers across railway zones, the sleeper train prototype requires refinements in its design and finishing.

The ministry highlighted concerns such as sharp edges in berth areas, faulty curtain handles, and cleaning issues caused by “pigeon pockets” near berth connectors.

Operational Sanction Granted with Conditions

While the Railway Board has granted in-principle approval for the 16-coach Vande Bharat Sleeper rake, operations will commence only after the issues are resolved. The ministry emphasised strict compliance with safety protocols, including:

• Installation of the Kavach 4.0 train protection system.
• Reliable communication between the loco pilot, train manager, and station master.
• Proper maintenance of braking systems.
• Adherence to fire safety regulations.

Additionally, the train’s temperature control systems must ensure passenger comfort considering India’s varied climate and the frequent opening and closing of automatic doors.

Focus on Safety and Technical Readiness

The ministry has instructed railway zones to ensure that trained technical staff are present along the route and that the semi-permanent coupler a vital safety component can be detached within 15 minutes during emergencies.

It also outlined that public announcements should be made in three languages (regional, Hindi, and English), informing passengers of safety norms and ensuring non-passengers disembark before departure.

The RDSO submitted its updated compliance on the design and safety standards to the ministry on 1 September 2025, following observations made during the Chief Commissioner of Railway Safety (CCRS) trials.

Read More: India To Develop Vande Bharat 4.0 And New High-Speed Rail For Future Exports: Ashwini Vaishnaw.

Conclusion

While the Vande Bharat Sleeper Train project has encountered a temporary delay, the Railway Ministry’s focus on safety, design quality, and passenger comfort underscores its commitment to setting new benchmarks in Indian rail travel.

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