Sleeper Vande Bharat finally ready as launch date revealed – Check when and where it will run
Sleeper Vande Bharat Set for December Launch; Final Upgrades Underway
India’s first Sleeper Vande Bharat Express is finally ready to begin passenger service next month. The Railway Ministry has confirmed that the last phase of adjustments is in progress to ensure smooth long-distance travel.
Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw said the prototype sleeper rake has completed all major trials. After testing, engineers suggested a few minor but important improvements related to bogie movement, seating comfort and overall passenger experience. These changes are now being carried out at Bharat Earth Movers Ltd (BEML), which is building the first batch of 10 sleeper rakes.
The minister added that although the tweaks are small, they are essential to meet international standards. The train is expected to be launched in December, after missing its earlier October 15 target.
BEML officials confirmed that the rake was sent back to the factory following inspections by the Research Designs and Standards Organisation (RDSO) and the Commissioner of Railway Safety. The retrofitting work includes upgraded fire-survival cables for CCTV, shifting AC ducts for better airflow, installing Arc Fault Detection Devices for fire safety, and undergoing a third-party audit to match European norms for safety and crash protection. The emergency alarm button in sleeper coaches is also being relocated for easier use.
With testing done and upgrades nearing completion, officials are confident the December rollout is on schedule. As more sleeper rakes are produced, the new train is expected to significantly enhance long-distance premium travel.
Meanwhile, work on India’s first bullet train between Mumbai and Ahmedabad is also progressing. The project achieved a major milestone this year when the Prime Minister reviewed construction at Surat station. The Railways has announced that a 100-km trial run is planned for August 2026, followed by testing at speeds up to 350 kmph. Once launched, the bullet train will reduce the Mumbai–Ahmedabad travel time from 5.5 hours to about 2.5 hours. The high-speed network is expected to expand to more routes later.
With both high-speed and premium sleeper services advancing steadily, India is preparing for a major transformation in intercity railway travel.
