Railways Plan to Manufacture 260 Vande Bharat Sleeper Trainsets to Redefine Long-Distance Travel
Railways Plan to Manufacture 260 Vande Bharat Sleeper Trainsets to Redefine Long-Distance Travel
New Delhi, February 6, 2026: The Indian Railways has announced an ambitious plan to manufacture 260 rakes of Vande Bharat Sleeper trainsets, aimed at transforming long-distance rail travel in the country. The information was shared by Union Minister for Railways, Information & Broadcasting, and Electronics & Information Technology, Ashwini Vaishnaw, in a written reply to a question in the Lok Sabha on Tuesday.
According to the Minister, the development of new-generation rolling stock such as the Vande Bharat Sleeper requires a holistic approach that integrates technological innovation, strategic planning, and advanced manufacturing practices. The programme follows a structured process beginning with prototype development, followed by extensive testing and trials, and culminating in series production to ensure safety, reliability, and passenger comfort.
The manufacturing of Vande Bharat Sleeper trainsets is being executed in a phased manner by BEML and the Integral Coach Factory (ICF), Chennai, in collaboration with technology partners. The induction of these trainsets into regular passenger service will also be carried out in phases, depending on demand and operational readiness.
Designed to set new benchmarks in safety and comfort, the Vande Bharat Sleeper trainsets will feature modern coaches equipped with a wide range of advanced safety systems and passenger amenities. These include jerk-free semi-permanent couplers with anti-climbers, KAVACH automatic train protection, and a crashworthy car body design compliant with EN safety standards. The trains are designed for a maximum speed of 180 kmph, with an operating speed of 160 kmph, offering higher acceleration and reduced travel time.
Enhanced fire safety measures form a key component of the design, with fire barrier doors, aerosol-based fire detection and suppression systems in electrical cabinets and lavatories, and improved overall fire safety compliance. Energy efficiency is addressed through regenerative braking systems.
Passenger comfort and hygiene have also been prioritized. Air-conditioning units are fitted with indigenously developed UV-C lamp-based disinfection systems capable of deactivating 99 per cent of harmful bacteria. Other features include centrally controlled automatic plug doors, fully sealed wider gangways, CCTV cameras in all coaches, and emergency talk-back units for direct communication with the Train Manager or Loco Pilot.
Special provisions have been made for Divyangjan passengers, including dedicated lavatories in the driving coaches at both ends of the train. A centralized coach monitoring system will enable real-time monitoring of passenger amenities such as air-conditioning and lighting, while ergonomically designed ladders will ensure easier access to upper berths.
With the planned manufacture of 260 rakes, the Vande Bharat Sleeper project marks a significant step towards modernizing India’s long-distance rail services and enhancing the overall passenger travel experience.
