India is gearing up to introduce its very first Vande Bharat Sleeper train, a milestone that will unfold in Kerala. This train will operate between Thiruvananthapuram and Mangaluru, marking a big step forward for Indian Railways in making long-distance travel better and more connected.
These sleeper trains aren’t just a single upgrade. They’re part of a wider initiative by Northern Railway to modernize the rail network, aiming for faster, more comfortable, and convenient journeys. Additional routes, like Thiruvananthapuram to Bengaluru and Kanyakumari to Srinagar, are also in planning. This expansion responds to the growing demand for efficient travel across India’s diverse landscape.
The Vande Bharat Sleeper train is a collaboration between the Integral Coach Factory (ICF) in Chennai and Bharat Earth Movers Limited (BEML). Designed for comfort, this air-conditioned train will have 16 coaches and can fit about 1,128 passengers. Special emphasis has been placed on making overnight travel as pleasant as possible.
Every coach will feature ergonomically designed berths, warm lighting, and GPS-enabled LED displays for updates. Accessibility is a priority too, with facilities for people with disabilities. Modern elements include automatic doors and a modular pantry for food service, coupled with the Kavach safety system for secure travel.
While the chair car versions are already in service, plans are in place to convert 16 existing chair car trains into sleeper variants. ICF plans to produce 50 new sleeper trains by 2026-2027, ushering in an exciting new era of rail travel in India.
Interestingly, a recent survey indicated that 64% of passengers prefer sleeper trains for overnight journeys due to comfort and convenience. As India modernizes its rail systems, the Vande Bharat Sleeper train is set to redefine how we view long-distance travel.
In summary, the launch of the Vande Bharat Sleeper train between Thiruvananthapuram and Mangaluru promises high-speed, modern travel with enhanced comfort and safety. With plans for additional sleeper trains by 2026-2027, India is on its way to revolutionizing rail travel.