The Vande Bharat Sleeper Express () is a medium to long-distance superfast express service by Indian Railways. It is a reserved, air-conditioned sleeper service connecting cities that are to apart. It is operated by self-propelling trainsets, designed and manufactured in India. The first prototype of the train set was rolled out by BEML in September-2024. The first service began operation on 17-January-2026.
History After the rollout of Vande Bharat trains that provided faster connectivity across short distances, Integral Coach Factory started developing a long-distance version of the trainset equipped with sleeper cars. The first prototype was rolled out by BEML in September-2024, and was expected to enter commercial service by January-2026.
Rolling stock
The train uses electric multiple units capable of achieving semi-high speeds of . The train includes a new aerodynamic front design made from high-strength materials for improved durability and reduced maintenance. Each trainset has sixteen cars, and is capable of accommodating up to 823 passengers.
Facilities The service is a reserved, air-conditioned sleeper service connecting cities that are to apart. It offers three classes of accommodation with one First AC (1A) coach, four Second AC (2A) and 11 Third AC (3A) coaches, which can accommodate 24, 188 and 611 passengers respectively. The coaches are equipped with electric outlets, reading lights, CCTV cameras, automatic doors, bio-vacuum toilets, sensor-based water taps, and passenger information system. It also contains fully air-conditioned locomotive cabins with dedicated toilets for train drivers. The trains are equipped with kavach train protection and emergency talk back systems. The service offers onboard catering with both vegetarian and non-vegetarian meal options.
Services
The first commercial service was launched on 17-January-2026. Indian Railways plans to roll out 12 Vande Bharat Sleeper express trains by March-2030.
ServiceTrain numberZoneDistanceTravel timeSpeedApproved onInaugural runMaximumAverageHowrah–Kamakhya27575 / 27576NFR14 hrs02-January-202617-January-2026Mumbai CSMT–KSR Bengaluru27651 / 27652SWR16 hrs 20 mins02-October-202611-October-2026 (TBC)
See Also Rajdhani Express Uday Express Tejas Express Humsafar Express Amrit Bharat Express Vande Bharat Express
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