Nearly a year after unveiling, first Vande Bharat sleeper train yet to start passenger service

Vande Bharat sleeper

It has been nearly a year since the Vande Bharat sleeper train manufactured by BEML was unveiled, but it is yet to be cleared for passenger service.

On September 1, 2024, the prototype train was unveiled with much fanfare by Union railway minister Ashwini Vaishnaw at BEML’s Bengaluru facility. At the time, he said that passenger services would commence within three months after trial runs. However, multiple deadlines have been missed since then.

Also, read: India’s first Vande Bharat sleeper train likely to be operational by year-end

In a recent letter to BEML, ICF said the prototype Vande Bharat sleeper rake delivered in October 2024 had 106 issues flagged for rectification. Though BEML had assured fixes by June 30, 2025, the rework remains incomplete, delaying commercial rollout. ICF has asked BEML to expedite pending work and share a revised completion date.

The oscillation trials of the prototype train at 180 kmph speed were completed in January 2025, followed by CRS inspection in April 2025. “Now the train has been lying at the Northern Railway’s maintenance depot (Shakurbasti) near Delhi for the past three months,” said a source.

On December 6, 2024, Moneycontrol reported that India’s first Vande Bharat sleeper train was delayed due to quality concerns flagged by ICF.

Sources said BEML had hastily completed the train’s interior works without proper quality checks in order to meet the inauguration deadline.

According to sources, ICF had given BEML a list of 106 observations to be resolved, most of them related to interiors. These included visible gaps in panels, defects in AC ducts, and leaking toilet water tanks. “In the three-tier coaches, the middle berth connector and passenger alarm position were also modified to enhance passenger safety. ICF has been continuously following up with BEML on the modification work. A team from BEML and toilet supplier BFG is working on resolving the issues,” said a source.

Also, read: Vande Bharat sleeper: Ticket prices on par with Rajdhani, separate berths for train attendants

ICF general manager U Subba Rao told Moneycontrol: "All pending issues have been resolved, and BEML is implementing the changes. We expect to receive the train by September-end, after which they have promised to deliver one rake per month."

ICF sources further said that in its rush to roll out the train, BEML reportedly ignored assembly guidelines provided by its design consultant, EC Engineering, leading to improper fitment of interior components. “As stipulated in the tender documents, BEML did not offer the prototype to ICF for inspection and went ahead with the inauguration,” one source said.

Moneycontrol has reached out to BEML for a comment, and the copy will be updated once a response is received.

“Since Vande Bharat is a premium train, Indian Railways wants to ensure all issues are resolved before launch and avoid negative passenger feedback. As sleeper trains operate overnight, a pair of trains are required to commence passenger services. Passenger operations are expected to begin by November after BEML delivers one more train set,” another source added.

Meanwhile, ICF has also started manufacturing a 24-car version of the Vande Bharat sleeper, which is expected to roll out by the end of next year. Other manufacturers, including TMH and the Titagarh-BHEL consortium, are also set to launch their prototype sleeper trains next year.

Also, read: India's first Vande Bharat sleeper train by BEML delayed due to quality concerns flagged by ICF