Vande Bharat sleeper launch delayed again; two BEML-made trainsets return to Bengaluru for rework

Vande Bharat sleeper

In yet another setback to the long-awaited Vande Bharat sleeper service, two trains have been sent back to BEML’s Bengaluru facility for rectification work amid quality concerns.

The first Vande Bharat sleeper train, which completed oscillation trials in January, has reached BEML’s Bengaluru plant. The second rake, which finished 180 kmph trials last week, is also on its way. Both will undergo repair work at BEML's facility.

The first Vande Bharat sleeper train was initially expected to commence passenger service by December 2024 but has since missed multiple deadlines. Sources told Moneycontrol that the commencement of passenger operations has been further delayed as both the first and second rakes will undergo repairs and pending works at BEML’s Bengaluru facility.

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

"While the first rake has quality issues, the second rake has pending works to be completed," a source aware of the developments told Moneycontrol.

Moneycontrol had on December 6, 2024 reported that the first rake faced quality concerns flagged by the Integral Coach Factory (ICF) in Chennai. A subsequent report on August 19, 2025, revealed that nearly a year after its unveiling, the first Vande Bharat sleeper train was still awaiting its passenger debut.

ICF general manager U Subba Rao confirmed to Moneycontrol that both trainsets will undergo interior improvements at BEML's facility. "For the first rake, there were some minor issues to be attended to, so we have brought it back. It will be repaired in the next 5-10 days. Only a few interior issues remain, which will be addressed shortly," Rao said.

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

He added that the second rake is also being sent back for rectification. "Initially, we were not happy with the interiors. We suggested a few improvements, which have been implemented. However, certain design changes - including those related to curtain fittings - are still pending. BEML will complete them soon," he said.

BEML was not available for comment.

The first Vande Bharat sleeper train, which shares its propulsion system with the Medha-developed chair car variant, had successfully completed oscillation trials at 180 kmph in January this year. However, despite the successful trials, passenger service has been delayed due to quality issues concerning the interiors.

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

As reported earlier by Moneycontrol, ICF had identified 106 issues for rectification by BEML, including problems with interior panels, passenger alarms, the pantry, toilet systems, and HVAC units. "Most of the issues have been attended to, but some related to interior panels and toilets still remain," said a source. After lying idle at a Northern Railway depot for more than six months, the first rake has now reached BEML for rework and refitting of interior components.

The second rake, for which oscillation trials were completed last week is also on its way back to BEML for completion of pending works. With both rakes returning to the factory, the start of commercial operations is likely to be pushed to next year.

After inspecting the second sleeper rake, ICF - in a recent letter to BEML - pointed out several flaws that needed urgent correction.  ICF authorities have also asked BEML to rectify all identified issues and ensure the corrections are implemented in upcoming rakes. The company has also been instructed to submit related testing certificates without delay.

"The deficiencies need to be addressed urgently, as they directly impact the validation and rollout of the new Vande Bharat sleeper service," said an official involved in the review.

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

According to ICF sources, many of the issues stemmed from improper assembly processes and lack of quality checks at BEML, as the company reportedly rushed to showcase the prototype last year. "Indian Railways and ICF want to ensure that lessons learned from the first rake are implemented by other Vande Bharat sleeper manufacturers such as Kinet and Titagarh-BHEL before they roll out their prototype rakes," a senior official said.

Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, in March 2024, had announced that the first Vande Bharat sleeper train would be launched within six months. He unveiled the prototype on September 1, 2024 at BEML's Bengaluru facility, stating that operations would begin within three months of trial runs. ICF placed an order with BEML in May 2023 for 10 rakes of the 16-coach Vande Bharat sleeper trainsets. Designed for an operational speed of 160 kmph (and 180 kmph during testing), each train will accommodate 823 berths across 1AC, 2AC, and 3AC configurations.

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