Archive · 27 Aug 2026
More Vande Bharat Sleeper Trains Delayed Until March 2027
India is planning more Vande Bharat trains for overnight journeys.
These trains are called Vande Bharat Sleeper trains because they will have sleeping coaches.
The first new train prototype is being built in Latur, Maharashtra.
It is now expected sometime before March 31, 2027.
Earlier, the target was June 2026, so the schedule has moved later.
Rail Vikas Nigam Limited is working with a Russian company called Transmashholding.
Their joint venture plans to make 120 trainsets with 16 coaches each.
The companies have not yet said when passengers can start using these trains.
RVNL expects the first Vande Bharat Sleeper prototype during the financial year ending March 31, 2027.
The earlier target of June 2026 has reportedly been extended to March 31, 2027.
The prototype is being developed at the upgraded Marathwada Rail Coach Factory in Latur, Maharashtra.
RVNL and Transmashholding’s joint venture plans to manufacture 120 trainsets, each with 16 coaches.
RVNL has not provided a date for when passenger services using these trainsets will begin.
- Who
- Rail Vikas Nigam Limited and its Indo-Russian joint venture with Transmashholding are developing the trains.
- What
- The first prototype of a planned fleet of Vande Bharat Sleeper trains is expected to roll out during the current financial year.
- When
- The prototype is expected by March 31, 2027; an earlier target was June 2026.
- Where
- The trains are being manufactured at the upgraded Marathwada Rail Coach Factory in Latur, Maharashtra.
- Why
- RVNL is expanding into rolling-stock manufacturing and plans to produce 120 Vande Bharat trainsets; the articles do not state why the timeline was extended.
- First prototype timeline
- Expected during the financial year ending March 31, 2027.
- Earlier target
- June 2026, according to PTI.
- Planned production
- 120 Vande Bharat Sleeper trainsets.
- Coaches per trainset
- 16 coaches.
- Manufacturing location
- Upgraded Marathwada Rail Coach Factory in Latur, Maharashtra.
- Joint venture
- Kinet Railway Solutions Ltd., formed by RVNL and Transmashholding.
- Passenger service date
- Not provided by RVNL.