India’s premium overnight Vande Bharat Sleeper train is set to revolutionize long-distance travel. Featuring a 16-coach prototype with AC 3-Tier, AC 2-Tier, and AC First Class, it will accommodate over 1,100 passengers. Designed for speeds up to 180 km/h, the train promises enhanced comfort and modern amenities, with initial routes connecting Delhi to Ahmedabad, Bhopal, and Patna.

So the first-look of India’s much-awaited premium overnight Vande Bharat Train is out! The teaser of the train looks absolutely stunning and now we can’t wait to experience it personally. The Vande Bharat Sleeper is a long-distance, high-speed electric multiple unit (EMU) train which is designed to combine speed, comfort, and modern amenities. While the train has become synonymous with semi-high-speed daytime travel. And now here is the sleeper version which allows passengers to enjoy longer journeys with premium facilities.The Sleeper Version

The daytime Vande Bharat is a chair-car and executive seating train. It now has successfully filled the gap between Shatabdi and Rajdhani trains. However, journeys going beyond 700–1,200 km, a bed bed for overnight travel is needed for comfort. Understanding this, Indian Railways is now here with its Vande Bharat Sleeper trains as per PIB.The move is also a part of broader vision to modernize its long-distance rail network, making it comparable to global high-speed overnight services while retaining affordability for domestic travellers.CapacityThe Vande Bharat Sleeper is expected to feature a 16-coach prototype, including:11 AC 3-Tier coaches4 AC 2-Tier coaches1 AC First Class coachThis configuration will allow seating and sleeping for approximately 1,128 passengers, with 823 berths reserved for travelers and 34 for onboard staff. Each coach is fully air-conditioned and designed to enhance comfort, featuring wider bunk beds, ladders, and ergonomic interiors.Safety and passenger convenience are also prioritized. Coaches will include multiple restrooms (one disabled-friendly), automatic inter-coach doors, and odour-control systems. The train will integrate Kavach, India’s train collision-avoidance technology, alongside sensor-based lighting, information display systems, Wi-Fi, USB charging points, and public announcement systems. (As per Railway Supply, 2025)

Image courtesy: @trainwalebhaiya (X)

Speed and PerformanceBuilt on the same aerodynamic EMU platform as the daytime Vande Bharat trains, the sleeper version is designed for a maximum operational speed of 180 km/h, with typical service speeds of 160 km/h. The multiple-unit architecture allows for faster acceleration and deceleration, making it efficient on long-distance routes. (As per Railway Technology, 2025)Launch

Media and official sources suggest the sleeper Vande Bharat will initially connect Delhi with destinations such as Ahmedabad, Bhopal, and Patna, covering distances of up to 1,000 km in significantly reduced travel times. Railways Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw indicated that the official launch is scheduled once the second trainset is ready, targeting mid-October 2025. If executed successfully, the Vande Bharat Sleeper will offer an unmatched combination of speed, comfort, and modern amenities.