Patna: A semi-high-speed sleeper Vande Bharat Express is likely to start running between Patna and Delhi by June, railway officials said, as Indian Railways expands its flagship train programme beyond short-distance daytime services.
The rakes for the new service are being manufactured at the Integral Coach Factory in Chennai, with additional production underway at other units, including Jhansi, under the government’s Make in India initiative. According to Railway Board sources, rakes for eight sleeper Vande Bharat trains are expected to be ready by May–June.
The Union railway minister, Ashwini Vaishnaw, has said the railways plans to operate 12 sleeper Vande Bharat trains across the country by December 2026, signalling a broader push to modernise long-distance overnight travel.
Designed as a faster and more comfortable alternative to premium trains such as the Rajdhani Express, the sleeper Vande Bharat will have a total of 16 coaches. These will include 11 Third AC coaches, four Second AC coaches and one First AC coach, offering a total of 823 berths. Of these, 611 will be in Third AC, 188 in Second AC and 24 in First AC.
The train will have a maximum speed of 180 kmph and is capable of accelerating from 0 to 100 kmph in just 52 seconds, officials said. Passengers will also be offered local cuisine on demand, in line with the service model adopted on existing Vande Bharat routes.
Railway officials said the sleeper version would feature ergonomically designed berths to improve comfort on overnight journeys. Other features include automatic doors, improved suspension and noise reduction systems, and enhanced safety technologies such as Kavach, the indigenous train collision avoidance system, and an emergency talk-back facility.
The coaches will also be equipped with disinfection technology to maintain hygiene standards, while the driver’s cab will have advanced control and safety systems.
With Patna–Delhi among the busiest rail corridors in eastern India, officials expect the sleeper Vande Bharat to attract passengers seeking faster journeys combined with modern amenities, as Indian Railways looks to redefine long-distance travel.
