Indian Railways’ Vande Bharat Sleeper train hits 180 km/h in trial run | Watch

Vande Bharat Sleeper: The trainset comprises 16 coaches, including 11 AC three-tier, 4 AC two-tier, and 1 AC first-class coach.

The Vande Bharat Sleeper Train successfully achieved a top speed of 180 km/h during its trial run on the Sawai Madhopur–Kota–Nagda section, the West Central Railway (WCR) zone of Indian Railways said. The milestone trial highlights the readiness of Indian Railways’ upcoming sleeper variant of the Vande Bharat Express for high-speed operations.

According to the West Central Railway, “The successful test marks a significant milestone under the Indian Railways’ ‘Mission Gati Shakti’, aimed at enhancing both speed and efficiency across the country’s rail network.”

The Vande Bharat Sleeper trainset has been designed and developed by BEML Limited, featuring stainless-steel construction and advanced crashworthy elements to maximize passenger safety. The design includes specially engineered crash buffers and couplers, providing greater protection in the event of an impact.

सवाई माधोपुर–कोटा–नागदा रेलखंड पर वंदे भारत स्लीपर ट्रेन का 180 किमी/घं. की रफ्तार से सफल ट्रायल किया गया। यह उपलब्धि ‘मिशन गति शक्ति’ के तहत भारतीय रेल की गति और क्षमता दोनों को नई दिशा देती है। #VandeBharatSleeper#WCRpic.twitter.com/8ArjpLEwM7

— West Central Railway (@wc_railway) November 5, 2025

The train meets the highest fire safety standards, complying with the stringent EN45545 HL3 grade requirements. Built for long-distance travel, the sleeper version aims to combine speed, comfort, and safety in a modern, fully integrated design.

The trainset comprises 16 coaches, including 11 AC three-tier, 4 AC two-tier, and 1 AC first-class coach. Altogether, the sleeper variant accommodates 823 berths, distributed as 611 in three-tier, 188 in two-tier, and 24 in first-class.

सवाई माधोपुर–कोटा–नागदा रेलखंड पर वंदे भारत स्लीपर ट्रेन का 180 किमी/घं. की रफ्तार से सफल ट्रायल किया गया l @RailMinIndia#VandeBharatSleeper#WCR#MissionRaftar#MissionGatiShakti#IndianRailwayspic.twitter.com/ervXneH9fH — West Central Railway (@wc_railway) November 5, 2025

With a design speed of 180 km/h and operational speed of 160 km/h, the Vande Bharat Sleeper offers an upgraded experience across all elements, from the aerodynamic front nose cone to ergonomic interiors and sleeper berths. BEML has integrated critical systems, including propulsion, bogies, electricals, plug doors, brake systems, and HVAC, to ensure seamless performance.

Integrated reading lights with USB charging ports

Public announcement and visual information systems

Inside display panels and CCTV cameras for passenger security

Modular pantries for onboard meal preparation

Special berths and toilets for differently-abled passengers

Automatic exterior passenger doors and sensor-based inter-communication doors

Fire safety compliance as per EN45545 HL3 standards

Remotely operated fire barrier doors at coach ends

Ergonomically designed, odour-free toilet systems (including for driving crew)

Spacious luggage areas for long-distance convenience

The First AC coach in the Vande Bharat Sleeper is designed for premium comfort, featuring showers with hot water, plush interiors, and modern amenities aimed at enhancing the passenger experience during overnight journeys.

With the Vande Bharat Sleeper set to join service soon, Indian Railways is moving closer to offering world-class, high-speed overnight travel that blends speed, safety, and sophistication.