Indian Railways is gearing up for a significant upgrade to its long-distance services with plans for a new 24-coach Vande Bharat sleeper train. This move signals a major step towards enhancing passenger capacity and comfort on overnight journeys.
A Leap in Long-Distance Travel
Indian
Railways is pushing forward with a plan to introduce a larger, 24-coach version of its Vande Bharat sleeper train, a significant expansion from the 16-coach prototypes that have recently begun service. This new configuration is specifically designed for high-demand, long-distance overnight routes, aiming to provide a premium travel experience that could rival existing Rajdhani Express services. The Integral Coach Factory (ICF) in Chennai has been tasked with manufacturing 50 of these new trainsets, part of a broader initiative to roll out over 200 Vande Bharat sleeper trains in the coming years. The target for the rollout of this larger variant is set for June 2027, though the final designs are still being confirmed.
More Coaches, More Berths, More Comfort
The most significant change in the 24-coach variant is the increase in passenger capacity and onboard amenities. While the 16-coach sleeper has a capacity of 823 passengers, the 24-coach version is expected to accommodate a significantly larger number of travellers, with some reports suggesting a capacity of up to 1,224. A key addition will be a dedicated pantry car, allowing for hot meals to be prepared and served onboard, an upgrade from the modular pantry units in the 16-coach version. The new design also calls for more toilets to cater to the increased passenger load, including accessible toilets with baby-care stations. Passengers can expect the same modern features found in the initial Vande Bharat sleepers, such as cushioned berths, individual reading lights, charging points, and automatic doors.
What to Expect Onboard
The new sleeper trains are being designed with passenger experience as a priority. Inspired by European train designs, the berths are ergonomically designed with better cushioning for overnight comfort. A redesigned ladder aims to make accessing the upper berths easier and safer. For a premium touch, the AC First Class coaches will feature hot-water showers, a luxury previously unavailable on most trains. The entire train will be fully air-conditioned with sealed gangways to maintain a clean, temperature-controlled environment. Safety remains a core focus, with the trainsets equipped with the indigenous KAVACH anti-collision system, CCTV cameras, and an emergency communication system.
The Road to Rollout
Before these new 24nd coach trains can enter commercial service, they must undergo mandatory trials to ensure safety and performance standards are met. The existing 16nd coach Vande Bharat sleeper prototype has already undergone successful highspeed trials, reaching speeds of $180$ kmph. However, the operational speed on most routes is capped at $160$ kmph, and often lower, depending on track conditions. The $24$-coach variant will need to pass similar rigorous testing supervised by the Commissioner of Railway Safety (CRS). While a target of June $2027$ has been set for the rollout, this is dependent on the finalisation of designs and the successful completion of these crucial trials. The production is a collaborative effort involving ICF, BEML, and other publicprivate consortiums to meet the ambitious manufacturing targets.
