Archive · 5 Sep 2026
Indian Railways Plans 260 Vande Bharat Sleeper Trainsets
Indian Railways is making sleeper versions of Vande Bharat trains for overnight journeys.
These trains are planned to travel as fast as 160 kmph during regular operations.
Their design allows them to reach 180 kmph.
The trains will have beds, reading lights, charging points and passenger information screens.
First Class passengers will also have showers and hot water.
The trains will use special toilets that need less water.
Safety systems will include KAVACH and emergency communication equipment.
More trains will be introduced gradually after testing, certification and route preparation.
Indian Railways plans 260 Vande Bharat sleeper trainsets for long-distance overnight travel.
The trains have a design speed of 180 kmph and an expected operational speed of up to 160 kmph.
BEML will build 10 trainsets, ICF 50, Kinet 120 and Titagarh-BHEL 80.
Features include cushioned berths, charging points, sealed gangways, shower facilities and aircraft-style bio-vacuum toilets.
The first sleeper trains entered service on the Guwahati-Howrah route, while further deployments depend on testing and route readiness.
- Who
- Indian Railways, along with BEML, Integral Coach Factory, Kinet Railway Solutions and the Titagarh-BHEL joint venture.
- What
- A plan to manufacture 260 Vande Bharat sleeper trainsets and expand overnight passenger services.
- When
- The first sleeper trains entered passenger service earlier this year; Kinet’s first prototype is targeted for March 31, 2027.
- Where
- The first services operate on the Guwahati-Howrah route, while manufacturing is planned at facilities including Latur and Chennai.
- Why
- To expand semi-high-speed, long-distance overnight travel with faster trains and upgraded passenger facilities.
- Planned production
- 260 Vande Bharat sleeper trainsets
- Speed
- 180 kmph design speed; up to 160 kmph expected operational speed
- Manufacturing allocation
- BEML: 10; ICF: 50; Kinet Railway Solutions: 120; Titagarh-BHEL: 80
- Coach configurations
- The current configuration has 16 coaches; ICF’s longer trains will have 24 coaches and a pantry car
- Passenger facilities
- Cushioned berths, reading lights, charging points, displays, integrated announcements and sealed gangways
- Premium facilities
- AC First Class coaches will include showers and hot water
- Safety and sanitation
- KAVACH, regenerative braking, Centralised Coach Monitoring System, emergency communication and bio-vacuum toilets