Vande Bharat sleeper clears 180 kmph speed test during trial run

Screengrab from tweet

• Vande Bharat sleeper train completed 180 kmph speed tests on Kota-Nagda section
• Train features advanced amenities, bio-vacuum toilets, and KAVACH safety system
• Indian Railways to launch 200+ Vande Bharat sleeper trains soon

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Indian Railways is preparing to roll out the Vande Bharat sleeper train, with Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw on Tuesday sharing fresh details from its ongoing trials.

Posting a video on X, the railway minister said the new sleeper variant successfully completed speed tests, touching 180 kmph during trial runs on the Kota–Nagda section.

“Vande Bharat Sleeper tested today by the Commissioner of Railway Safety. It ran at 180 kmph between Kota Nagda section. And our own water test demonstrated the technological features of this new generation train,” Ashwini Vaishnaw posted on X.

The video drew attention for showing glasses of water placed inside the coach remaining steady even at the train’s maximum design speed of 180 kmph, underlining ride stability and advanced engineering.

Vande Bharat Sleeper tested today by Commissioner Railway Safety. It ran at 180 kmph between Kota Nagda section. And our own water test demonstrated the technological features of this new generation train. pic.twitter.com/w0tE0Jcp2h

— Ashwini Vaishnaw (@AshwiniVaishnaw) December 30, 2025

The Vande Bharat sleeper train is being positioned as a long-distance, overnight travel option and is a sleeper-class version of the Vande Bharat chair car trains currently operating across the network. Two all air-conditioned prototype rakes have been built by BEML and are undergoing extensive testing.

Indian Railways plans a significant expansion of this category, with proposals to introduce more than 200 Vande Bharat sleeper trains in the coming years as part of a broader revamp of long-haul rail services.

The initial prototypes comprise 16 coaches, including 11 AC three-tier coaches, four AC two-tier coaches and one AC first-class coach. While designed for operational speeds of up to 160 kmph, the trains are being tested at 180 kmph. Actual running speeds will depend on track conditions on different routes.

The sleeper coaches incorporate design elements inspired by European rolling stock, with cushioned berths, improved access to upper berths, and low-intensity night lighting. Passenger amenities include audio announcements with visual display systems, CCTV surveillance and modular pantry arrangements.

Advanced bio-vacuum toilets, similar to those used in aircraft, have been installed. Facilities also include an accessible toilet for persons with disabilities, a baby care unit and shower cubicles with hot water in the AC First Class coach.

On the safety front, the train is equipped with the indigenous KAVACH anti-collision system and features regenerative braking for better energy efficiency. Fully sealed gangways and automatic interconnecting doors help maintain air quality and temperature stability inside the coaches.

Each coach offers individual reading lamps, charging points, foldable refreshment tables and interiors finished with GFRP panels.

Doors will open automatically at designated stations, and a Centralised Coach Monitoring System has been installed along with emergency communication facilities that allow passengers to directly contact the locomotive driver.

With testing progressing steadily, the launch of the Vande Bharat sleeper train is expected soon, marking the next phase of semi-high-speed rail travel in India.