A New Chapter in Overnight Journeys
For decades, trains like the Rajdhani Express have been the gold standard for long-distance, overnight rail travel in India. But a new challenger is emerging. Indian Railways is developing a sleeper version of its successful Vande Bharat Express, aiming
to capture the overnight travel market with modern technology and enhanced passenger comfort. The initial 16-coach Vande Bharat sleeper, with a capacity of 823 passengers, has already set a new benchmark. Now, the focus is shifting towards an even larger, 24-coach version designed for high-demand routes, signaling a major leap in the country's railway infrastructure.
Designing for Speed and Comfort
The Vande Bharat sleeper is engineered for both speed and a superior passenger experience. Unlike conventional trains pulled by a locomotive, it uses a distributed power system, with motors in alternate coaches. This allows for faster acceleration and deceleration, potentially trimming hours off long journeys. The trainsets are designed to reach a maximum speed of 180 km/h, though they operate at 160 km/h on suitable tracks. Inside, the focus is on creating a quiet, comfortable environment. Features include improved soundproofing, sensor-based lighting, automatic doors, and bio-vacuum toilets. Every berth is equipped with its own reading light and charging sockets, while First AC coaches will even feature hot showers.
More Passengers, Better Amenities
The headline feature of the next phase is a significant boost in capacity. While the first sleeper prototypes have 16 coaches, Indian Railways is now finalising designs for a 24-coach version. This longer configuration will not only accommodate more passengers but also introduce new amenities. A key addition is a dedicated, fully air-conditioned pantry car to serve fresh, hot meals onboard, a step up from the modular pantries in the current models. The new design also calls for more toilets and improved interiors to cater to the larger passenger count, ensuring that comfort is not compromised with the increased capacity.
Challenging the Rajdhani Legacy
The introduction of the Vande Bharat sleeper directly challenges the long-held supremacy of the Rajdhani Express. While both are premium, air-conditioned overnight services, the Vande Bharat aims to be a generational leap forward. Its key advantages lie in technology and passenger experience. The smoother, jerk-free ride, coupled with faster journey times and modern amenities, positions it as a more advanced alternative. While Rajdhani has an established reputation and a wide network, the Vande Bharat sleeper is being purpose-built to modernise long-haul travel, offering a glimpse into the future of Indian Railways.
The Road Ahead for a National Rollout
The journey to a nationwide fleet of high-capacity sleeper trains is a multi-stage process. The prototype of the 16-coach version was rolled out in 2024, with the first commercial service beginning in January 2026. Now, the Integral Coach Factory (ICF) in Chennai is working to finalise the design for the 24-coach variant, with a target to complete the prototype by mid-2027. Following successful trials, a wider rollout is planned, with the government aiming to manufacture a significant number of these advanced trainsets. While timelines in large infrastructure projects can shift, the clear intent is to make these 'hotels on wheels' a common sight across India's vast rail network in the coming years.
