The Vande Bharat Sleeper Express is a new premium long-distance air-conditioned sleeper train service by Indian Railways designed to transform overnight rail travel in India. It builds on the success of the high-speed Vande Bharat day trains and brings modern comfort, speed, and safety to sleeper journeys.
🛤️ Launch & Routes
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The first Vande Bharat Sleeper was flagged off on 17 January 2026 by the Prime Minister, running between Kamakhya (Guwahati) in Assam and Howrah in West Bengal.
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Indian Railways plans to introduce more Sleeper services on key long-distance routes, improving connectivity and reducing travel time compared to conventional trains.
🚅 Design & Speed
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Unlike regular trains, these are self-propelled semi-high-speed EMU trainsets — meaning they don’t need separate locomotives.
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They can reach up to 180 km/h in trials and operate at faster speeds on suitable tracks.
🛏️ Coach & Classes
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Each train has 16 air-conditioned coaches with sleeping arrangements:
• First AC (1A) – luxury class
• Second AC (2A)
• Third AC (3A) — majority of passenger capacity -
The trains are designed to accommodate around 823 passengers with comfortable berths for overnight travel.
🧰 Features & Comfort
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Modern sleeper berths with ergonomic design and cushioning.
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Cabin amenities such as electric outlets, reading lights, infotainment systems, and wide windows.
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Advanced safety technologies including the indigenous KAVACH train protection system, CCTV cameras, and bio-vacuum toilets.
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On-board catering with both vegetarian and non-vegetarian meals adapted to regional tastes.
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Some services are also experimenting with pet box facilities for travelers with pets.
💺 Speed & Convenience
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The Sleeper version is planned for longer distances (1,000+ km) where faster overnight travel is valuable.
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Because it accelerates and slows down rapidly like other Vande Bharat trains, average travel times can be shorter than conventional sleeper trains.
🏃♂️ Future Outlook
Indian Railways intends to roll out hundreds of Vande Bharat Sleeper rakes nationwide in phases, offering a modern alternative to traditional overnight trains and boosting long-distance connectivity across the country.