India’s first Vande Bharat Sleeper train: Here’s what you need to know

High speed, hot showers, smart toilets — overnight train travel is about to change forever

Last updated: August 05, 2025 | 13:51

Shyam A. Krishna, Acting Editor

2 MIN READ

Vande Bharat sleeper trains will be inducted into the Indian Railways in September 2025.

X/Indian Railway

Dubai: India is set to add a new milestone to its railway modernisation journey with the launch of the Vande Bharat Sleeper train next month (September 2025), reports in the Indian media said. Designed for overnight travel, this semi-high-speed train aims to combine speed, safety, and comfort for long-distance passengers.

Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, speaking at an event in Bhavnagar, Gujarat, confirmed the launch last week. “Vande Bharat Sleeper is coming very soon – in September.” He stressed the efforts to transform India’s rail network with next-generation trains including Vande Bharat, Amrit Bharat, Namo Bharat, and now, Vande Sleeper.

Here’s everything you need to know about the Vande Bharat Sleeper train.

What is the Vande Bharat Sleeper train?

Unlike the existing Vande Bharat Express trains, which are designed for daytime travel, the sleeper version is built specifically for overnight journeys. It will offer sleeping berths across three AC classes and is being manufactured by BEML using ICF (Integral Coach Factory) technology.

What is the capacity and the coach classes?

The Vande Bharat Sleeper train will consist of 16 coaches across three classes — AC First Class, AC 2-Tier, and AC 3-Tier — with a total capacity of 1,128 passengers.

What’s the speed of the train?

The Vande Bharat Sleeper is designed to run at speeds of up to 180 kmph. This puts it in the semi-high-speed category, reducing travel time significantly compared to conventional overnight trains.

What are the key onboard features?

Real-time passenger information displays
Touch-free bio-vacuum toilets
USB charging with integrated reading lights
Visual and audio announcement systems
Modular pantries
Security surveillance cameras
Specially designed berths and restrooms for differently-abled passengers
Hot water showers in First AC coaches

What is the route and operational details?

The launch route has not yet been finalised. The final decision will be made by the Railway Board ahead of the September rollout.

What’s the update on Bullet Train?

The Mumbai–Ahmedabad Bullet Train project is progressing rapidly. Once operational, the 508km journey will take just 2 hours and 7 minutes. The train will run at speeds of 320 kmph, connecting key cities like Vapi, Surat, Vadodara, and Ahmedabad.

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Shyam A. KrishnaActing Editor

Shyam A. Krishna has been slicing and dicing news for nearly 40 years and is in no mood to slow down. As Acting Editor, he runs the newsroom — digital and print. Sports was the passion that ignited his career, and he now writes about just about everything: news, business, sports, health, travel, and entertainment. Even cooking! You might have spotted him at COP28, the Arabian Travel Market, the Dubai World Cup racing, the T20 World Cup cricket, the Dubai tennis and Abu Dhabi Formula One motor racing. Before all that, the newsroom was (and still is) his home turf. As Night Editor, he designed and produced pages for several years before focusing on Opinion pieces. The transition from Opinion Editor to Senior Associate Editor signalled a return to writing — from special reports and blogs to features. And when he’s not chasing stories or deadlines, Shyam is probably making travel plans or baking something.