Existing Vande Bharat sleeper trains have 16 coaches, but to accommodate more passengers, Indian Railways is planning something big. It is building a new 24-coach Vande Bharat sleeper train with a pantry car and upgraded interiors. Here’s everything we know about this recent development.
Indian Railways Plans 24-Coach Vande Bharat Sleeper Train Set
After rolling out 16-coach Vande Bharat sleeper trains, it seems like Indian Railways now has its eyes on a 24-coach train set. According to The Times of India, this train will have more capacity for passengers and will cater to longer-distance overnight journeys. The plan is not just on paper but is also moving forward. The Integral Coach Factory (ICF) in Chennai has been directed to build 50 Vande Bharat sleeper trains that will have 20 coaches.
Indian Railways is working quite hard to transform and make long-distance travel smoother and more comfortable. As part of this plan, it is expected to introduce more than 200 Vande Bharat sleeper trains over the coming years. BEML, with support from ICF, is producing 10 sleeper trainsets, while the Indo-Russian joint venture Kinet has been directed to manufacture another 120. A consortium of Titagarh and BHEL will also manufacture 80 Vande Bharat sleeper trains.
Also Read: Vande Bharat Vs Amrit Bharat Express: From Speed To Coaches, 5 Key Differences To Know
New Train Prototype To Launch In 2027
According to The Times of India, designs for the new 24-coach sleeper trainsets are being finalised. They are expected to be ready in a month. The new train set will be launched in the first half of 2027, with June set as the target month. It will be a variant of the existing train design but will also include a pantry car. This new addition is not present in other Vande Bharat sleeper trains. It will allow food to be heated and served onboard.
Moreover, authorities are also planning to upgrade the interiors. You would also like to know that these 24-coach trains will be one of the longest sleeper trains being produced in India. This is so cool, right? The prototypes running presently have 16 passenger coaches. These coaches comprise 11 AC 3-tier coaches, four AC 2-tier coaches and one AC First Class coach.
Also Read: Bengaluru-Goa Vande Bharat Express: Route, Expected Timings And Stations
So, tell us, how excited are you for the 24-coach sleeper trains?
Cover Image Courtesy: Wikimedia Commons/Sameer2905
FAQs
Are tickets for Vande Bharat trains expensive?
Vande Bharat ticket prices depend on the route, class and distance.
How many coaches are in the Vande Bharat sleeper train?
The existing Vande Bharat sleeper train design has 16 coaches. However, Indian Railways is currently building 24-coach trainsets.
Is Indian Railways planning a 24-coach Vande Bharat sleeper train?
Yes, Indian Railways is planning a 24-coach Vande Bharat sleeper train. They may launch it in June 2027.
