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Manufacturing work on India's upcoming Vande Bharat sleeper trains is progressing at the upgraded Marathwada Rail Coach Factory in Latur, Maharashtra. The prototype is now expected to roll out by March 31, 2027, during the current financial year, according to Rail Vikas Nigam Limited (RVNL) Chairman and Managing Director Saleem Ahmad. He shared the update during RVNL's 23rd annual general meeting.
Vande Bharat Sleeper Train Prototype
The Vande Bharat sleeper train project is being developed through Kinet Railway Solutions Ltd, an Indo-Russian joint venture formed by RVNL and Russian company Transmashholding. The company will manufacture 120 Vande Bharat sleeper trainsets at the Marathwada factory. Each trainset will have 16 coaches, making the project an important step towards expanding India's modern overnight train services.
The prototype was earlier expected to be ready by June 2026. However, the deadline was later revised, and the prototype is now scheduled to be completed by March 31 next year. Manufacturing activities at the Latur facility are currently underway.
Unlike the existing daytime Vande Bharat Express trains, the sleeper version is designed for longer-distance overnight journeys. The new trains are expected to provide passengers with modern interiors and improved comfort while travelling long distances.
The Latur factory is therefore expected to play an important role in India's growing railway manufacturing programme. The production of 120 sleeper trainsets will also strengthen domestic capabilities in the manufacturing of modern railway coaches.
Apart from the Vande Bharat sleeper project, RVNL is also working on several railway infrastructure projects across the country. The company has completed and handed over 158 projects to Indian Railways, covering new railway lines, gauge conversion, track doubling, electrification and workshops. These projects have contributed to more than 17,000 km of railway infrastructure.
During 2025-26, RVNL commissioned 173.82 km of railway infrastructure and 173 km of railway electrification. The company also completed 23 km of tunnel excavation during the financial year.