Anyone who has travelled on an Indian train knows the challenge of the berths near the doors. A new design feature in the Vande Bharat Sleeper aims to solve this longstanding issue, prioritising privacy and a quiet journey for all passengers.
The Common Passenger Complaint
For frequent
travellers on Indian Railways, securing a berth away from the coach entrance is often a small victory. The berths located near the main doors and toilets are notoriously prone to disturbances. Constant passenger movement, the sound of doors opening and closing, and light filtering into the bay can disrupt sleep throughout the night. This is a common issue in many long-distance trains, including premium services like the Rajdhani Express, where the design places some sleeping areas in the direct path of passenger traffic. Travel vlogger Dhananjay Kumar recently highlighted this specific problem, noting how vendors and passengers moving through the coach can make it difficult for those in nearby berths to get proper rest.
A Simple Yet Effective Design Solution
The upcoming Vande Bharat Sleeper trains directly address this problem with a thoughtful design change. The new coaches feature a sliding door that separates the main passenger corridor from the entrance area. This door, along with an intentional gap between the main gate and the first set of berths, creates a buffer zone. This small but significant modification means that passengers sleeping near the entrance are shielded from the direct line of movement and noise. The sliding mechanism itself is also designed for convenience, adding to the modern feel of the train's interiors. This layout has already drawn praise online, with many social media users suggesting it should become a standard feature across all trains to improve the overnight travel experience.
More Than Just a Door
This sliding door is part of a broader philosophy guiding the Vande Bharat Sleeper's design: a focus on passenger comfort and privacy. The trainsets, developed by BEML in collaboration with Indian Railways' Integral Coach Factory (ICF), are engineered to offer a superior travel experience. The 16-coach train, which can accommodate around 823 passengers, features ergonomically designed, better-cushioned berths, and advanced suspension for a smoother ride. Noise insulation measures have been implemented throughout the train to ensure a quieter journey. Furthermore, the entire train is a self-propelled unit, unlike locomotive-hauled trains like the Rajdhani, which allows for quicker acceleration and deceleration, reducing journey times.
A New Standard in Onboard Amenities
Beyond the sliding door, the Vande Bharat Sleepers are packed with modern amenities. Each berth is equipped with integrated reading lights and both USB Type-A and Type-C charging ports. For the first time on a non-luxury train, the First AC coaches will feature hot water showers. Safety has also been upgraded, with CCTV cameras, an automatic fire detection system, and the indigenous Kavach anti-collision system as standard. The toilets are ergonomically designed with vacuum evacuation systems to maintain cleanliness and hygiene, another key concern for long distance travellers. Other features include automatic exterior plug doors, sensorbased intercoach doors, and a public address and visual information system.
The Road Ahead for Sleeper Services
The first Vande Bharat Sleeper service was launched between Howrah and Kamakhya in January 2026. Several other routes have followed, including a highly anticipated service between Bengaluru and Mumbai that launched on November 1, 2026, significantly reducing travel time between the two metros. With a design speed of 180 kmph and an operational speed of up to 160 kmph, these trains are set to redefine overnight travel in India. The initial prototype was unveiled in September 2024, and Indian Railways plans to progressively roll out more of these modern trainsets, which consist of one First AC, four AC 2nd tier, and eleven AC 3rd tier coaches. This push for enhanced comfort and speed signals a new era for Indian Railways, moving towards a travel experience that rivals global standards.
