The Indian Railways is all set to transform overnight travel in India with the launch of its first Vande Bharat sleeper trains in January 2026. Unlike the current daytime Vande Bharat trains with chair-car seating, these new trains will offer semi-high-speed overnight travel, running at speeds of up to 180 kmph. Passengers can expect a combination of speed, modern facilities, and the comfort required for long-distance nighttime journeys.
Coach Development and Design
The Vande Bharat sleeper coaches were developed by BEML in Bangalore and further refined at the Integrated Coach Factory (ICF) in Perambur. The 16-coach prototype has completed extensive testing across multiple railway zones to ensure passenger comfort, operational safety, and performance reliability. The design focuses on combining the advanced technology and amenities of Vande Bharat trains with the convenience needed for overnight travel.
Rigorous Multi-Zone Trials
Successful multi-zone trials have already been completed for the second sleeper rake under the supervision of the Research Designs and Standards Organisation (RDSO). The trials evaluated crucial aspects such as braking performance, emergency stops, stability and vibration control, mechanical and electrical system reliability, as well as oscillation and Emergency Braking Distance (EBD) tests.
Testing Across Key Railway Zones
The testing was conducted across three major railway zones to simulate real-world conditions: the North Central Railway on the Mahoba-Khajuraho section, the West Central Railway on the Sawai Madhopur-Kota-Nagda stretch, and the Western Railway on the Ahmedabad-Mumbai route. During these trials, the train successfully reached a top speed of 180 kmph, confirming its readiness to become India’s fastest and most comfortable overnight train option.
