Indian Railways' plan to revolutionize overnight journeys with a high-capacity, 24-coach sleeper train has captured the imagination of travellers. But with the initial timelines missed, many are asking: where is this new train and when will it arrive?
A Bigger, Bolder Vande Bharat
The planned 24-coach sleeper is a significant evolution of the Vande Bharat platform, which has so far focused on shorter, daytime routes with its chair-car versions. This new variant is designed specifically for high-demand, long-distance overnight corridors. The Integral Coach Factory (ICF) in Chennai has been tasked with manufacturing 50 of these extended trainsets. Unlike the 16-coach sleeper prototypes that have recently begun service, this larger version aims to maximize passenger capacity, carrying an estimated 1,224 travellers. A key addition is a dedicated, fully air-conditioned pantry car, a feature absent in the 16-coach model, designed to serve fresh, high-quality meals on long journeys. This makes it a direct and modern competitor to the Rajdhani Express trains that have been the gold standard for premium overnight travel for decades.
The Hurdles of Innovation
The journey from blueprint to reality has been complex, leading to delays. The design finalization for the 24-coach sleeper is a critical step that has taken longer than first anticipated. Officials at ICF are reportedly aiming to finalize the extensive designs by mid-November 2026. Following this, the manufacturing of the first prototype is expected to be completed by May or June 2027. Only after this prototype successfully clears a rigorous trial period can full-scale production begin. The complexity stems from integrating new systems into a longer rake, ensuring it meets high standards for safety, speed, and passenger comfort. To this end, Indian Railways has placed a significant order worth approximately Rs 839 crore with US-based firm Wabtec to supply crucial components like advanced braking systems, automatic doors, and gangway solutions for these 50 new trains.
Learning from the 16-Coach Rollout
While the 24-coach version is still in development, Indian Railways has moved forward with a smaller, 16-coach Vande Bharat sleeper. The first of these services began operations in January 2026 on the Howrah–Kamakhya route. As of late October 2026, two more routes are set for inauguration: Delhi–Varanasi and Mumbai–Bengaluru. These 16–coach trains, which carry 823 passengers, serve as a crucial stepping stone. However, their development was not without issues. Reports from 2025 highlighted several design and safety concerns flagged by the Railway Board, including overweight components and defects in safety systems that needed rectification before services could begin. The experience gained from designing, manufacturing, and resolving issues with these 16–coach trains will likely inform and streamline the production of the larger 24–coach variant.
What Passengers Can Expect
When the 24–coach sleeper does arrive, it promises a substantial upgrade in overnight travel. The interiors are designed for comfort, with ergonomically designed, better–cushioned berths and redesigned ladders for easier access to upper bunks. Passengers can expect modern amenities like individual charging points, sensor–based bio–toilets, and improved lighting. First AC coaches are slated to feature exclusive perks like hot showers. Safety is also a core focus, with the trains being built to high crashworthiness standards and equipped with the indigenous Kavach anti–collision system. Capable of operating at speeds up to $160$ km/h, these trains are expected to significantly cut down travel times on major routes. For example, the Delhi–Varanasi journey could be reduced by nearly three hours compared to the Rajdhani Express.
