For the first time, India is gearing up to launch its inaugural Vande Bharat Sleeper train , with Kerala set to host this milestone. The train will operate between Thiruvananthapuram and Mangaluru, representing a major leap forward in Indian Railways’ mission to modernize long-distance travel and enhance connectivity between railway zones. Introduced by Northern Railway, this new service is part of a larger initiative to upgrade the country’s rail network, prioritizing speed, passenger comfort, and overall convenience.
In addition to the Thiruvananthapuram–Mangaluru route, the government is also planning new routes such as Thiruvananthapuram–Bengaluru and Kanyakumari–Srinagar. These proposed connections aim to make cross-country travel more accessible, promoting seamless movement between distant regions of India. The introduction of these long-distance sleeper trains is a response to the growing demand for faster, more comfortable travel options that can connect major cities and regions efficiently.
The Vande Bharat Sleeper train is the result of a joint initiative between two major railway organisations. While the design is being handled by the Integral Coach Factory (ICF) in Chennai, the manufacturing is led by Bharat Earth Movers Limited (BEML). This project will deliver a 16-coach air-conditioned sleeper train with the capacity to accommodate up to 1,128 passengers. Each coach is being specially crafted to enhance comfort during overnight travel.
Modern passenger amenities will be a hallmark of this train. Each coach will feature ergonomically designed sleeping berths, improved lighting for reading, and a GPS-based LED display system that provides real-time travel updates. Accessibility is also a priority, with features such as special berths and toilets for persons with disabilities. Additional conveniences include automatic doors, a modular pantry for efficient food service, and the Kavach safety system for enhanced operational security.
While Vande Bharat trains with chair cars are already operational on various routes, work is underway to develop their sleeper versions. Sixteen chair car trains will be converted using ten available rakes. Alongside this, ICF has been tasked with producing 50 brand-new Vande Bharat Sleeper trains, in addition to the ten currently under development. These trains are expected to be fully operational by 2026–27.
The launch of the first Vande Bharat Sleeper train from Kerala marks a major milestone for Indian Railways, ushering in a new era of comfortable, high-speed overnight travel that connects distant parts of the country more efficiently than ever before.
In addition to the Thiruvananthapuram–Mangaluru route, the government is also planning new routes such as Thiruvananthapuram–Bengaluru and Kanyakumari–Srinagar. These proposed connections aim to make cross-country travel more accessible, promoting seamless movement between distant regions of India. The introduction of these long-distance sleeper trains is a response to the growing demand for faster, more comfortable travel options that can connect major cities and regions efficiently.
The Vande Bharat Sleeper train is the result of a joint initiative between two major railway organisations. While the design is being handled by the Integral Coach Factory (ICF) in Chennai, the manufacturing is led by Bharat Earth Movers Limited (BEML). This project will deliver a 16-coach air-conditioned sleeper train with the capacity to accommodate up to 1,128 passengers. Each coach is being specially crafted to enhance comfort during overnight travel.
Modern passenger amenities will be a hallmark of this train. Each coach will feature ergonomically designed sleeping berths, improved lighting for reading, and a GPS-based LED display system that provides real-time travel updates. Accessibility is also a priority, with features such as special berths and toilets for persons with disabilities. Additional conveniences include automatic doors, a modular pantry for efficient food service, and the Kavach safety system for enhanced operational security.
While Vande Bharat trains with chair cars are already operational on various routes, work is underway to develop their sleeper versions. Sixteen chair car trains will be converted using ten available rakes. Alongside this, ICF has been tasked with producing 50 brand-new Vande Bharat Sleeper trains, in addition to the ten currently under development. These trains are expected to be fully operational by 2026–27.
The launch of the first Vande Bharat Sleeper train from Kerala marks a major milestone for Indian Railways, ushering in a new era of comfortable, high-speed overnight travel that connects distant parts of the country more efficiently than ever before.
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