The Vande Bharat Sleeper Train is set to transform overnight long-distance travel in India. Slated for a public Vande Bharat sleeper train launch in January 2026, this semi-high-speed sleeper variant — capable of reaching 180 kmph — combines the modern amenities of Vande Bharat services with comfortable overnight berths. This guide covers everything: Vande Bharat sleeper trials, Vande Bharat sleeper coach design, the likely Vande Bharat sleeper train route list, and expected Vande Bharat sleeper train ticket price.
What is the Vande Bharat Sleeper Train?
Table of contents
- 1 What is the Vande Bharat Sleeper Train?
- 2 Vande Bharat Sleeper Train Composition
- 3 Vande Bharat Sleeper Train Launch: When is it coming?
- 4 Vande Bharat Sleeper Coach Design: Features & Innovations
- 5 Vande Bharat Sleeper Trials: Safety & Performance Checks
- 6 Vande Bharat Sleeper Train Route List (Expected)
- 7 Vande Bharat Sleeper Train Ticket Price: What to Expect
- 8 Why Vande Bharat Sleeper Train Will Be a Game-Changer
- 9 Conclusion
- 10 FAQ — Vande Bharat Sleeper Train
The Vande Bharat Sleeper Train represents India’s first attempt to offer a premium, semi-high-speed overnight train under the Vande Bharat family. Unlike the existing daytime Vande Bharat Express trains (chair-car configuration), the sleeper variant will feature air-conditioned berths and long-journey amenities while maintaining high speeds and shorter travel times.
Vande Bharat Sleeper Train Composition
The upcoming Vande Bharat Sleeper Train features a 16-coach premium rake developed by BEML, designed specifically for overnight semi-high-speed operations. This composition includes a mix of AC sleeper classes—1AC, 2AC, and 3AC—with advanced propulsion units and modern comfort-oriented layout.
| Class | No. of Coaches | Total Berths |
|---|---|---|
| 3AC | 11 coaches | 611 berths |
| 2AC | 4 coaches | 188 berths |
| 1AC | 1 coach | 24 berths |
| Total | 16 coaches | 823 berths |
Vande Bharat Sleeper Train Launch: When is it coming?
The official Vande Bharat sleeper train launch is scheduled for January 2026. Indian Railways has indicated that the first rake with sleeper coaches will enter public service then. A second rake is undergoing trials, and production of additional rakes is planned through March 2026.
Vande Bharat Sleeper Coach Design: Features & Innovations
The Vande Bharat sleeper coach design has been developed by BEML, Bengaluru and refined at ICF Perambur. The design focuses on passenger comfort, ride stability at high speed, and modern onboard facilities.
- Fully air-conditioned sleeper berths with individual charging points
- Upgraded suspension and high-speed bogies for 180 kmph operation
- Noise-reduced interiors and better vibration control
- Automatic energy-efficient doors and smart lighting
- Bio-vacuum or advanced sanitation systems
- Optimised luggage storage and ergonomic berth layout
Prototype details: A 16-coach prototype completed extensive tests across multiple zones before approval for public operations.
Vande Bharat Sleeper Trials: Safety & Performance Checks
Rigorous Vande Bharat sleeper trials were conducted under the supervision of RDSO. Trial priorities included emergency braking, oscillation control, mechanical and electrical reliability, and high-speed stability.
Testing corridors
- North Central Railway — Mahoba to Khajuraho
- West Central Railway — Sawai Madhopur to Kota to Nagda
- Western Railway — Ahmedabad to Mumbai
During trials the train reached a top speed of 180 kmph, validating its suitability as India’s fastest overnight train option.
Vande Bharat Sleeper Train Route List (Expected)
While the final official Vande Bharat sleeper train route list is yet to be published, Indian Railways is considering high-demand long-distance corridors. Early candidates include:
- Bangalore → Kanyakumari (via Chennai)
- Mumbai → Ahmedabad → Jaipur / Delhi
- Delhi → Varanasi / Lucknow
- Chennai → Coimbatore / Tirunelveli
- Hyderabad → Bangalore / Chennai
- Mumbai → Nagpur
- Delhi → Jammu / Amritsar
These corridors currently see high overnight demand and will benefit most from reduced travel time and premium overnight comfort.
Vande Bharat Sleeper Train Ticket Price: What to Expect
Exact fares for the Vande Bharat sleeper train ticket price are not yet announced. However, based on the premium features and faster travel times, estimated fare bands are:
- 3-Tier AC (Approx): ₹1,800 – ₹2,500
- 2-Tier AC (Approx): ₹2,800 – ₹3,800
- 1-Tier AC / First AC (Approx): ₹4,000 – ₹6,000
Note: Final prices will depend on route distance, demand, and the Railways’ pricing policy at launch.
Why Vande Bharat Sleeper Train Will Be a Game-Changer
The sleeper variant addresses a major gap in the Vande Bharat network by bringing overnight connectivity with semi-high-speed capability. Key advantages:
- Substantially reduced journey times on long routes
- Premium onboard comfort and safety
- RDSO-tested reliability and braking performance
- Better alternative to existing premium overnight trains
Conclusion
The Vande Bharat Sleeper Train is poised to redefine overnight rail travel in India. With advanced coach design, successful multi-zone trials, and strategic route planning, the sleeper variant is set to offer a faster, more comfortable travel experience when it launches in January 2026. Keep an eye out for official announcements on the Vande Bharat sleeper train launch, confirmed route lists, and exact ticket prices as the rollout progresses.
FAQ — Vande Bharat Sleeper Train
1.When will the Vande Bharat Sleeper Train be launched?
The expected launch is January 2026, with additional rakes under production through March 2026.
2.How fast will the Vande Bharat Sleeper Train run?
The sleeper variant has been tested up to 180 kmph.
3.Where were the sleeper trials conducted?
Trials covered the Mahoba–Khajuraho, Sawai Madhopur–Kota–Nagda, and Ahmedabad–Mumbai sections.
4.How much will tickets cost?
Ticket prices have not been officially released. Estimated ranges are provided in this article and will be updated when Railways announces fares.