Indian Railways: When is India’s first Vande Bharat Sleeper train launching? Rail Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw reveals timeline – Railways News

Vande Bharat Sleeper train launch date: After months of anticipation and a successful trial run earlier this year, Indian Railways is all set to launch its first Vande Bharat Sleeper train. Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw announced the launch of the semi high-speed sleeper trains during an event in Gujarat. “Vande Sleeper will be launched very soon, in September,” he announced. Vaishnaw also noted that trains such as Namo Bharat, Amrit Bharat and Vande Bharats are vital to reshaping India’s railway infrastructure.

Earlier, in a written reply to the Rajya Sabha last month, the minister shared an update on Vande Bharat Sleeper train’s development. “The first prototype of the Vande Bharat Sleeper trainset has already been manufactured and is currently undergoing commissioning,” he had said.

Features of Vande Bharat Sleeper trains

Manufactured by BEML using Integral Coach Factory (ICF) technology, the Vande Bharat Sleeper train will comprise 16 coaches, segmented into AC First Class, AC 2-Tier and AC 3-Tier. It will be able to carry 1,128 passengers and operate at a top speed of 180 kmph, making it one of the fastest overnight train services in the country.

The train promises world-class amenities, such as integrated reading lights with USB charging, automated announcement and visual information systems, security cameras, modular pantries, and disabled-friendly berths and toilets. Notably, the First AC coaches will also feature hot water showers, a first for Indian Railways.

Vande Bharat Sleeper coach depot and workshop

To support this new train variant, Indian Railways is building a dedicated Vande Bharat Sleeper coach depot and workshop near a railway station in Bengaluru. The project, approved by the Railway Board, will be developed by South Western Railway’s Bengaluru Division and is expected to be completed by early next year.

This upcoming facility will maintain and inspect the new sleeper trains, 10 of which are currently under production by BEML and ICF in Bengaluru. With six Vande Bharat chair car services already running from the city, the sleeper version will expand overnight connectivity further.

Additionally, Indian Railways is planning two new passenger terminals, near Devanahalli (between Bullahalli and Hosuru villages) and in Nelamangala, after dropping its earlier proposal for Whitefield due to land constraints.

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