Click it and Unblock the Notifications
Indian Railways is planning to build a new 24-coach Vande Bharat sleeper train to carry more passengers while offering better facilities. Railway officials said the train will be manufactured at the Integral Coach Factory (ICF) in Chennai under the Make in India programme. This decision comes after the successful launch of the 16-coach Vande Bharat sleeper train, which is designed for semi-high-speed travel.
24-Coach Train
At present, the 24-coach train is in the design stage. Officials said the prototype is expected to be ready by the end of 2026. The new rake will have a much higher passenger capacity and improved onboard services compared to the existing version.
Vande Bharat Sleeper Train
On January 17, Prime Minister Narendra Modi flagged off India's first Vande Bharat sleeper train running between Howrah and Guwahati at Malda in West Bengal. On the same day, he also virtually launched another sleeper service between Kamakhya Junction in Guwahati and Howrah. These launches marked a new phase in sleeper train travel, offering comfort, safety, and luxury similar to what Rajdhani Express trains have provided since 1969. Notably, both services started from Howrah.
What Will the New Vande Bharat Sleeper Train Include?
The upcoming 24-coach Vande Bharat sleeper train will include 17 third AC coaches, five second AC coaches, and one first AC coach, along with an AC pantry car. It will be able to carry 1,224 passengers. In comparison, the 16-coach version has 823 berths. This means the new train will add about 401 extra berths, increasing capacity by nearly 49 per cent.
Improvement in Service
To improve service, mini-pantry areas and linen storage spaces will be provided in different coaches. Passenger facilities will include comfortable berths, reading lights, charging points for mobile phones and laptops, WiFi-based information and entertainment systems, vacuum toilets, better luggage space, and modern interiors. Facilities such as ramps and accessible toilets will also be provided for Divyangjan passengers.
The train will feature modern propulsion and control systems, energy-saving regenerative braking, and a strong stainless-steel body built to high safety standards. It will also have CCTV cameras, advanced fire safety systems, intelligent monitoring, and the Kavach anti-collision system. The maximum operating speed of the train will be 160 kmph.
Ticket fares will be Rs 2.4 per km for third AC, Rs 3.1 per km for second AC and Rs 3.8 per km for first AC. For journeys up to 400 km, the minimum fare will be Rs 960, Rs 1,240 and Rs 1,520 respectively, with GST charged separately.
