The long-cherished idea of travelling overnight in a luxury, semi high-speed train is set to become a reality. The Vande Bharat Sleeper Express will begin operations on January 17 on the Guwahati–Howrah
route, marking a major leap in long-distance rail travel in India.
As anticipation builds around the new service, attention has also turned to what lies beneath its sleek exterior. From propulsion and braking systems to seating and air-conditioning, as many as 72 vendors have supplied critical components for the train, with several leading Indian and global firms playing key roles.
Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw has described the Vande Bharat Sleeper as one of the world’s finest trains in terms of passenger amenities and ride quality. According to the minister, extensive research went into the design to ensure maximum comfort. In one widely shared demonstration, a fourth glass was placed atop three water-filled glasses while the train ran at 180 kmph, underscoring the smoothness of the ride. Vaishnaw himself posted the video on social media.
Unlike conventional trains, the Vande Bharat Sleeper does not use a separate locomotive. Instead, propulsion equipment is integrated into the coaches. Hyderabad-based Medha Group supplies what is effectively the train’s “engine”, including the transformer, traction motors mounted beneath the coach, and the pantograph that draws power from overhead lines.
Passenger comfort has been another key focus area. The seats, designed to resemble those used in high-end automobiles, are supplied by a Tata Group subsidiary. Air-conditioning systems are provided by Amit Engineering, with a design that ensures better air circulation to avoid the sense of suffocation often reported in tightly sealed travel environments.
Braking systems for the train are supplied by Knorr-Bremse and Faiveley, two globally recognised names in rail technology. Their equipment ensures smooth deceleration even at high speeds, reducing jerks and enhancing safety.
The sleeper version of the Vande Bharat also introduces a first-of-its-kind feature for Indian Railways; toilets integrated into the driver’s cab, eliminating the need for crew to wait for station halts.
The Vande Bharat Sleeper Express will be flagged off by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Railways have clarified that the service will operate without RAC or waiting lists, with only confirmed tickets being issued. While fares are expected to be slightly higher than premium services such as the Rajdhani Express, passengers will save nearly three hours of travel time on the route.
