New bigger Vande Bharat coming soon: Forget 16-coach version, Railways eyes 24-coach sleeper train with features that could give Rajdhani Express tough competition

Indian Railways is preparing to expand its Vande Bharat sleeper train programme with a 24-coach version designed for long-distance overnight journeys. The Integral Coach Factory (ICF) in Chennai has been tasked with manufacturing 50 such trainsets, with the rollout targeted for the first half of 2027 and June set as the proposed deadline, according to a TOI report. The new train will build on the existing Vande Bharat sleeper design but will feature a pantry car, more toilets and improved interiors. The move comes as Indian Railways plans to introduce more than 200 Vande Bharat sleeper trains in the coming years to upgrade overnight rail travel.

New bigger Vande Bharat sleeper train: What is planned for the 24-coach version?

The design of the 24-coach Vande Bharat sleeper train is being finalised and is expected to be ready within a month, sources told TOI. Unlike the 16-coach prototype configuration, the longer train will include a pantry car to support onboard food service. The facility will allow food to be heated and served during the journey. ICF is also considering improvements to the interiors, although the design work is still underway. The number of toilets is also expected to increase to accommodate the larger passenger capacity. ICF has previously indicated that its 24-coach version would be among the longest sleeper trains being manufactured in India.

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More than 200 Vande Bharat sleeper trains in the pipeline

Indian Railways has lined up multiple manufacturing projects to expand its fleet of Vande Bharat sleeper trains. BEML, with support from ICF, is producing 10 trainsets, while Indo-Russian joint venture Kinet has been assigned 120. A consortium of Titagarh and BHEL is set to manufacture another 80 trainsets. Separately, ICF is developing its own sleeper version, including the proposed 50 trainsets with 24 coaches.

The expansion is intended to bring the Vande Bharat experience to overnight routes, offering passengers a modern alternative for long-distance travel.

Vande Bharat sleeper train features: Speed, berths and onboard facilities

The current 16-coach prototype has 11 AC three-tier coaches, four AC two-tier coaches and one AC First Class coach. The train is designed to run at 160 kmph, with a testing speed of 180 kmph. However, actual operating speeds will depend on track conditions and the capabilities of individual sections of the railway network.

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The sleeper version has been designed with cushioned berths to improve comfort during overnight journeys. The arrangement for accessing upper berths has also been redesigned to make climbing easier.

Other planned facilities include individual reading lights, charging points, refreshment tables, dedicated night lighting, CCTV cameras and an integrated announcement system with visual displays.

Modern toilets, automatic doors and safety systems

The Vande Bharat sleeper train will feature bio-vacuum toilets, including a toilet designed for passengers with disabilities. The accessible toilet will also have a baby-care station, while the AC First Class coach will offer shower facilities with hot water.

Automatic interconnecting doors and sealed gangways are intended to help maintain temperature control and cleaner air inside the coaches. The train will also have a Centralised Coach Monitoring System and an emergency communication facility allowing passengers to contact the driver.

For safety, the train will be equipped with the indigenous KAVACH anti-collision system. Regenerative braking technology will help improve energy efficiency by recovering some of the energy generated during braking.

How the 24-coach train could improve overnight journeys

The longer configuration, additional toilets and pantry car are intended to make the train better suited to routes involving long overnight journeys and a larger number of passengers.

The proposed June 2027 rollout remains a target, with the design still being finalised. Once the manufacturing and testing process progresses, the 24-coach version could add another option to Indian Railways' expanding Vande Bharat sleeper fleet.

Vande Bharat completes successful 180 kmph trial on Mathura–Nagda section

Indian Railways has completed a high-speed trial of a 16-coach Vande Bharat Chair Car train at 180 kmph on the Mathura–Nagda section. The trial took place on October 8, 2026, under the supervision of the Chief Commissioner of Railway Safety (CCRS). The trainset was manufactured at the Rail Coach Factory (RCF) in Kapurthala, Punjab. The trial assessed its performance, ride quality and safety at high speeds. However, reaching 180 kmph during a test does not mean the train will run at the same speed during regular passenger services.

According to the Ministry of Railways, Vande Bharat Chair Car trains have a design speed of 180 kmph, while their maximum operating speed is 160 kmph.

Why is the Mathura–Nagda railway section important?

The Mathura–Nagda section is part of the broader Delhi–Mumbai rail corridor, connecting important parts of northern and western India. Testing a train at high speeds on this section helps railway officials assess how it performs under different operating conditions. The trial also helps check ride quality, stability and the functioning of safety systems before decisions are taken on its regular operation.

Such tests are an important part of ensuring that a train can run safely at its intended speed.

What does the 180 kmph Vande Bharat trial mean for passengers?

A successful high-speed trial is a step towards faster rail travel, but passengers should not expect journey times to fall immediately.

The speed at which a train can operate depends on several factors, including track conditions, signalling systems, safety clearances and the railway infrastructure along its route. Even if a train is designed to reach 180 kmph, it may have to travel more slowly on sections that cannot support that speed. If higher speeds are cleared for regular services on suitable routes, passengers could eventually benefit from shorter journey times.


Inputs from TOI & agencies