Chennai: Indian Railways is preparing to introduce a longer and higher-capacity version of its Vande Bharat Sleeper trains to meet rising demand for premium
overnight travel. The first 24-coach Vande Bharat Sleeper train will be manufactured at the Integral Coach Factory (ICF) in Chennai.
At present, Vande Bharat sleeper trains operate with 16 coaches and have 823 berths. The upcoming 24-coach configuration will significantly increase capacity to 1,224 berths, marking a major expansion in long-distance sleeper services.
Officials said the move follows strong passenger response to the first Vande Bharat Sleeper service, which was inaugurated on January 17 on the Howrah–Kamakhya route from Malda Town. Encouraged by feedback on comfort and onboard experience, the Railways decided to scale up the design to cater to busier corridors.
The 24-coach sleeper train is currently at the design and planning stage, with a prototype expected to roll out by the end of 2026. The expanded layout is aimed at offering better capacity while maintaining high service standards for overnight journeys.
As per the proposed configuration, the train will include 17 AC three-tier coaches, five AC two-tier coaches, one AC first-class coach and a dedicated air-conditioned pantry car. The inclusion of a full-sized pantry car is expected to improve catering services, especially on long-haul routes. Mini pantry units and linen storage areas will also be integrated across coaches to streamline onboard operations.
Passenger comfort will be a key focus, with features such as ergonomically designed berths, individual reading lamps, charging points for mobiles and laptops, Wi-Fi-enabled passenger information and infotainment systems, vacuum-based toilets, modern interiors and improved luggage space. Provisions for divyangjan passengers, including accessible toilets and entry ramps, have also been incorporated into the design.
The trainset will feature advanced propulsion and control technology, regenerative braking systems for energy efficiency and a crashworthy stainless-steel body meeting safety norms. Planned safety enhancements include international-standard fire detection systems, CCTV surveillance, intelligent diagnostics and integration with the Kavach collision avoidance system.
Designed to operate at speeds of up to 160 kmph, the train will use air-spring suspension, disc braking, and enhanced noise insulation to ensure a smoother and quieter overnight travel experience. Energy-efficient systems, predictive maintenance, and remote monitoring will further support Indian Railways push towards modern, sustainable passenger transport.
