Indian Railways is gearing up for a significant leap in overnight travel, planning a longer, 24-coach version of its Vande Bharat sleeper train. With a prototype targeted for 2027, this move promises to enhance passenger capacity and comfort.
A Bigger, Better Sleeper Train
Indian Railways
is expanding its ambitious Vande Bharat programme with plans for a new 24-coach sleeper train, a significant upgrade from the current 16-coach versions. The Integral Coach Factory (ICF) in Chennai has been tasked with manufacturing 50 of these larger trainsets. The prototype for this new variant is expected to be ready by May or June 2027, with the design being finalised by November 2026. This development is part of a broader strategy to introduce over 200 Vande Bharat sleeper trains to modernise long-distance, overnight travel across the country.
What the Extra Coaches Will Offer
The primary advantage of the 24-coach configuration is increased passenger capacity. By adding eight more coaches compared to the existing 16-coach Vande Bharat sleepers, which carry around 823 passengers, these new trains will be able to serve more travellers on high-demand routes. Critically, the longer design will also reintroduce a pantry car, a feature absent in the 16-coach sleeper models. This will allow for onboard heating and serving of fresh food, enhancing the catering service for long journeys. Additionally, the new variant is planned to have more toilets to accommodate the larger number of passengers.
An Upgraded Passenger Experience
Beyond just size, the new sleeper trains aim to set a new standard for comfort and convenience, building on the features that have already made the Vande Bharat platform popular. While designs are still being finalised, officials have indicated that the interiors will be improved to a level surpassing existing premium trains like the Rajdhani Express. Passengers can expect ergonomically designed berths with better cushioning, individual reading lights, and charging points. Safety and convenience features like automatic doors, fully sealed gangways for noise reduction, bio-vacuum toilets, and an emergency communication system are also part of the package.
The Manufacturing and Rollout Plan
The production of these next generation trains is a multi pronged effort. While ICF Chennai is handling the 50 new 24 coach trainsets, other manufacturers are also involved in the broader Vande Bharat sleeper project. BEML is producing 10 trainsets, while consortiums involving Kinet Railway Solutions (an Indo Russian JV) and Titagarh BHEL are contracted to manufacture 120 and 80 trainsets, respectively. To support the 24 coach project, Indian Railways has already placed a significant order worth Rs 839 crore with US based firm Wabtec for critical components like advanced braking systems, doors, and gangway solutions. This indicates that while the 2027 prototype date is a target, the groundwork for production is firmly underway.
A New Era for Overnight Journeys
The introduction of the Vande Bharat sleeper, and particularly this larger variant, is positioned to be a game changer for Indian Railways. These trainsets are designed for a top speed of $160$ km/h, and their distributed power system allows for faster acceleration and deceleration than locomotive hauled trains like the Rajdhani. This can lead to significant reductions in travel time on key overnight routes. For instance, a new Delhi Varanasi Vande Bharat sleeper service is expected to cut the journey by nearly three hours compared to the Rajdhani. By offering a faster, more comfortable, and higher capacity alternative, Indian Railways aims to compete more effectively with bus and air travel for long distance passengers.
