Indian Railways is poised to transform long-distance overnight travel with the launch of the country’s first Vande Bharat sleeper trains in January 2026. Capable of touching 180 kmph, these sleek, indigenously designed coaches will become India’s fastest overnight trains, slashing journey times on popular long-haul routes while delivering the comfort and technology that made the daytime Vande Bharat Express a passenger favourite.

Developed jointly by Bengaluru-based BEML and the Integral Coach Factory (ICF) in Perambur, the 16-coach prototype features modern sleeper berths, automatic doors, enhanced fire safety, onboard infotainment, modular toilets, and superior vibration-dampening technology. Unlike the existing 92 chair-car Vande Bharat trains that operate only during daylight hours, these sleeper variants are purpose-built for night journeys, filling a critical gap for travellers who prefer overnight options on routes exceeding 800–1,000 km.

The second rake has successfully completed exhaustive oscillation and Emergency Braking Distance (EBD) trials conducted by the Research Designs and Standards Organisation (RDSO) across three railway zones: North Central (Mahoba–Khajuraho), West Central (Sawai Madhopur–Kota–Nagda), and Western Railway (Ahmedabad–Mumbai). During testing, the train consistently hit 180 kmph while demonstrating exceptional stability, braking performance, and ride comfort, earning final clearance for commercial operations.

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Railway officials confirmed that the first sleeper Vande Bharat service will debut in January 2026 with at least two sleeper coaches, while the second rake is already undergoing final checks in Ahmedabad. Production is being rapidly scaled: eight additional sleeper trains are scheduled for rollout by March 2026. High-demand corridors such as Bengaluru–Kanyakumari via Chennai, Delhi–Mumbai, Delhi–Kolkata, and Howrah–Chennai are under active consideration for early deployment, potentially cutting travel time by 3–5 hours compared to existing Rajdhani and Duronto expresses.

With automatic plug doors, GFRP interiors, KAVACH safety systems, and energy-efficient propulsion, the Vande Bharat sleeper trains promise a quantum leap in overnight travel quality. As India accelerates toward 100% electrification and high-speed rail, these 180 kmph sleepers will bridge the gap between conventional overnight trains and the upcoming high-speed bullet trains, offering millions of passengers faster, safer, and far more comfortable journeys starting January 2026.

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