Vande Bharat Sleeper Trains at 160 Kmph to Launch in July 2025: Redefining Luxury Rail Travel
Indian Railways is gearing up to revolutionize long-distance travel with the introduction of Vande Bharat Sleeper trains, set to begin operations by July 2025. These semi-high-speed trains will offer world-class amenities, enhanced safety, and faster journeys, marking a significant upgrade from existing Rajdhani and Shatabdi services.
Key Details of the Vande Bharat Sleeper Trains
1. Speed and Performance
The new Vande Bharat Sleeper trains will initially operate at 160 kmph, with plans to increase speeds up to 240 kmph as rail infrastructure improves. This is a major leap from the current 130 kmph limit of Rajdhani and Shatabdi trains.
2. Manufacturing and Rollout Plan
- 30 sleeper trains are planned for the 2025–26 financial year.
- 10 trains have already been manufactured by Bharat Earth Movers Limited (BEML) in Bangalore.
- 8–10 more trains are under production at the Integral Coach Factory (ICF) in Chennai.
3. Routes and Operations
The trains will primarily run on high-demand routes, including:
- Delhi–Howrah
- Delhi–Mumbai
These corridors are being upgraded with anti-collision technology and other safety enhancements to support high-speed operations.
4. Advanced Features for Passenger Comfort
- Automatic doors for convenience and safety.
- Aircraft-like interiors with cushioned berths.
- Onboard WiFi for seamless connectivity.
- Improved crash safety with deformation tubes and fire barriers.
Successful Trials and Upcoming Launch
The first prototype of the 16-coach Vande Bharat Sleeper train has already undergone rigorous testing, including:
- 540 km trial runs on the Mumbai–Ahmedabad route in January 2025.
- Short-distance tests in Kota, achieving 180 kmph speeds.
The Research Designs & Standards Organisation (RDSO) will issue a final certification after evaluating safety and performance at maximum speeds.
Watch video of the actual Vande Bharat Sleeper Train under testing:
🚆 BREAKING: #VandeBharatSleeper trains launching in July 2025! ⚡ 160 kmph speed, 🛌 luxury berths, ✈️ aircraft-like comfort! 🇮🇳 #IndianRailways upgrades travel with world-class amenities. 🎉 #VandeBharat #HighSpeedIndia #TravelInStyle pic.twitter.com/8sC48ZKrJK
— PuneNow (@itspunenow) June 17, 2025
Future Expansion Plans
- Nine more sleeper trains will be produced between April and December 2025.
- A major order for propulsion systems has been placed with Medha (33 rakes) and Alstom (17 rakes).
- Full-scale production of 24-car sleeper trains will begin in 2026–27.
A Game-Changer for Indian Railways
The Vande Bharat Sleeper trains represent a quantum leap in India’s rail infrastructure, combining speed, luxury, and safety. With PM Narendra Modi expected to flag off the first train next month, passengers can soon experience a new standard of overnight travel.
