Railways Gears Up for 260 Vande Bharat Sleepers: Overnight Journeys Get Premium Upgrade
State Correspondents News Desk | February 5, 2026
Indian Railways is fast-tracking a massive fleet expansion with 260 advanced Vande Bharat Sleeper trainsets aimed at redefining comfort on long-haul routes. Union Railways Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw revealed the ambitious blueprint in Lok Sabha, emphasizing phased production and trials for seamless rollout.
Manufacturing Momentum
Production kicks off at Integral Coach Factory (Chennai) and BEML facilities, building on successful prototypes now running trial services between Howrah and Kamakhya. Each semi-high-speed set packs 16 coaches for 823 travelers, ideal for 1,000-1,500 km overnight trips at up to 160 kmph. Rollout hinges on ridership and readiness, with 12 additional units eyed by year-end.
Standout Safety & Comfort Upgrades
🛡️ Safety Tech
KAVACH anti-collision, EN-standard crash bodies, aerosol fire suppression, jerk-free couplers.
⚡ Performance
180 kmph design speed, regenerative braking for efficiency, wider sealed gangways.
🧼 Hygiene Boost
UV-C AC disinfection (99% bacteria kill), CCTV everywhere, auto plug doors.
♿ Inclusive
Divyangjan lavatories, emergency talk-back, ergonomic berth ladders, real-time monitoring.
Strategic Vision
This initiative underscores Railways’ push for self-reliant mobility, creating jobs and cutting travel times. Initial routes may link metros to regional hubs, with maintenance hubs planned in Delhi, Bengaluru, and Jodhpur for sustained ops.
Travelers can look forward to a new era of reliable, luxurious rail nights across India.
