The Vande Bharat Sleeper train project is making strides. Rail Vikas Nigam Limited (RVNL) aims to roll out its first sleeper prototype by June 2026. During a recent earnings call, RVNL’s Chairman and Managing Director, Saleem Ahmad, shared that the project is on track. They plan to produce 120 Vande Bharat Sleeper train sets, and he is optimistic about reaching the upcoming milestone.
The RVNL-led joint venture is set to create 16-coach Vande Bharat Sleeper trains, totaling 1,920 coaches. This extensive production will transform rail travel in India, offering more comfortable options for passengers. In fact, a recent survey showed that around 78% of Indian train travelers prefer sleeper coaches for long journeys, highlighting the demand for this project.
The Ministry of Railways awarded contracts to three companies for this initiative: BEML, Kinet Railway Solutions, and a consortium featuring Titagarh Rail Systems and Bharat Heavy Engineering Limited (BHEL). Notably, the Howrah-Kamakhya-Howrah services, launched in January 2026, were developed using cutting-edge technology from BEML.
On October 15, 2025, Kinet Railway Solutions introduced the design for the First AC coach within the Vande Bharat Sleeper train. This new design focuses on comfort and privacy, incorporating features like a staircase for easy access to upper berths, USB ports, and smart storage solutions in each compartment.
Experts believe this project will set new standards for train travel in India, offering enhanced comfort and efficiency. As the demand for rail travel grows, especially following a survey indicating a 40% increase in passengers since the pandemic, the Vande Bharat Sleeper trains may reshape long-distance travel across the country.
With ongoing advancements in technology and a shift towards modern travel preferences, the future of Indian Railways looks promising. As this project unfolds, it will be exciting to see how it impacts train travel experiences.
For more details on railway advancements, you can visit the [Ministry of Railways](https://indianrailways.gov.in/).
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