India’s Vande Bharat sleeper train is unveiled — See the first look, features, and routes!
India’s first Vande Bharat Sleeper Train is here, promising to transform overnight travel with speed, luxury, and smart tech. From First AC private cabins to advanced safety features, this train redefines rail journeys across India. See pics of the futuristic coaches and interiors!
India’s much-anticipated Vande Bharat Sleeper Train made its grand debut at the International Railway Equipment Exhibition (IREE) 2025 in New Delhi, showcasing a sleek silver-blue aerodynamic body, ambient LED lighting, and premium interiors that mark a futuristic leap in Indian railway design. On October 15, 2025, the First AC coach design was unveiled by the Indo-Russian joint venture Kinet Railway Solutions, with a full-scale mock-up of the four-berth compartment presented by Nishunk Garg, Project Director, and Evgeny Maslov, Chief Industrial Designer, offering attendees a first glimpse of how overnight travel in India is set to be transformed. (Image: Twitter)
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A Proud Indo-Russian Collaboration Developed under Kinet Railway Solutions, a joint venture between Rail Vikas Nigam Limited (RVNL) and Russia’s Transmashholding, the Vande Bharat Sleeper is a shining example of global cooperation. The venture plans to design, build, and maintain 1,920 sleeper coaches (120 train sets) over the next 35 years, giving Indian Railways a technological boost like never before. (Image: LinkedIn)
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Built for Speed — and Style Powered by a high-speed electric multiple unit (EMU) platform, the train can reach a top speed of 180 km/h, with regular service speeds of around 160 km/h. This ensures faster, smoother, and quieter journeys — especially on long routes such as Delhi–Patna, Delhi–Howrah, and Delhi–Ahmedabad. Thanks to its multiple-unit architecture, the train accelerates and brakes faster, saving precious travel time. (Image: LinkedIn)
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Coach Configuration for Every Traveler The Vande Bharat Sleeper Train features a 16-coach formation designed to cater to a wide range of travelers. It comprises 11 AC 3-Tier coaches, 4 AC 2-Tier coaches, and 1 luxurious First AC coach, ensuring a perfect balance of comfort and capacity. Together, these coaches can accommodate 1,128 passengers, including 823 berths for travelers and 34 designated berths for onboard staff. Every coach is fully air-conditioned, offering spacious layouts, ergonomically designed interiors, and modern safety systems that enhance both comfort and security throughout the journey. (Image: X)
First AC: A Five-Star Hotel Experience on Rails The First AC coach redefines luxury travel with private cabins featuring sliding doors, reclining memory-foam beds, and onboard showers — yes, actual showers! The soft lighting, USB charging ports, Wi-Fi connectivity, and touch-screen control panels create a high-end, aircraft-style ambiance. For many, this coach could rival even business-class airline cabins. (Image: X)
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Smart Tech Meets Safety The train is equipped with the Kavach anti-collision system, fire detection technology, and emergency communication units. Passengers can also enjoy Wi-Fi connectivity, digital information displays, and personal entertainment screens, making every journey safer and smarter. (Image: X)
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Ergonomic Upper Berths and Safer Access Gone are the days of awkwardly climbing into cramped upper berths. The Vande Bharat Sleeper’s redesigned upper berths feature wider sleeping areas, sturdy ladders, and better safety rails. These improvements ensure ease of access for seniors, children, and passengers with limited mobility — a thoughtful upgrade that makes overnight train travel much more comfortable. (Image: LinkedIn)
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Accessible, Hygienic, and Passenger-Friendly Design Each coach includes modern restrooms, including one specially designed for differently-abled passengers. Features such as advanced odour-control systems, noise insulation, and automatic climate control make the journey restful and hygienic. The interiors use wood-finish panels and ambient LED lighting, creating a warm, relaxing vibe throughout the night. (Image: LinkedIn)
Routes, Timelines, and Future Expansion The first Vande Bharat Sleeper route will connect New Delhi and Patna, reducing travel time to around 11.5 hours. Additional routes like Delhi–Ahmedabad, Delhi–Bhopal, and Delhi–Howrah are next in line. Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw confirmed that commercial operations will begin in mid-October 2025, with two 16-coach trains initially deployed by BEML and ICF. Eight more trains will join the fleet by 2026, marking the start of India’s high-speed sleeper revolution. (Image: X)
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The Future of Overnight Travel in India With its blend of luxury, safety, and speed, the Vande Bharat Sleeper aims to replace legacy trains like the Rajdhani and Duronto in the coming years. Designed to handle routes spanning 700–1,200 km, it’s perfect for both business and leisure travelers. This new-age train is not just about getting from one city to another — it’s about transforming the journey itself into a world-class experience. (Image: X)
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