India’s First Vande Bharat Sleeper Train to Launch from Delhi This September—All You Need to Know

In a significant milestone for Indian Railways, the much-anticipated Vande Bharat Sleeper Express is set to debut by the end of September 2025, just ahead of the festive season. Designed to revolutionize overnight rail travel, this semi-high-speed train will connect Delhi to Patna via Prayagraj, offering a faster, more comfortable, and modern alternative to traditional trains like the Rajdhani Express. Announced by Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, the launch marks a new chapter in India’s railway modernization journey. Here’s everything you need to know about this game-changing train service.

Launch Details and Significance

The Vande Bharat Sleeper Express is scheduled to commence operations in late September 2025, aligning with the festive rush around Diwali and Chhath Puja. The inaugural service will likely run from New Delhi to Patna, covering approximately 1,000 kilometers in just 11.5 hours—a significant reduction compared to the 12–17 hours taken by existing trains and the 23 hours by the Rajdhani Express on the same route. This train is part of Indian Railways’ broader vision to enhance connectivity, comfort, and speed for long-distance travelers, positioning it as a cost-effective alternative to air travel.

The Vande Bharat Sleeper Express builds on the success of the Vande Bharat Express chair-car services, launched in 2019, and complements other modern services like Namo Bharat and Amrit Bharat. With its premium amenities and high-speed capabilities, it aims to cater to India’s growing middle class, offering flight-like comfort at train fares.

Key Features of the Vande Bharat Sleeper Train

Manufactured by Bharat Earth Movers Limited (BEML) in collaboration with the Integral Coach Factory (ICF) in Bengaluru, the Vande Bharat Sleeper train is equipped with cutting-edge technology and passenger-centric features. Here’s a look at what sets it apart:

• Coach Configuration: The train consists of 16 coaches with a total capacity of 1,128 passengers, divided into:
  • 11 AC 3-Tier coaches
  • 4 AC 2-Tier coaches
  • 1 AC First Class coach
• Speed: Designed for a maximum speed of 180 km/h, though operational speeds may be limited to 130–160 km/h due to added weight from sleeper berths and amenities like increased water storage.
• Premium Amenities:
  • Hot water showers and touch-free bio-toilets for hygiene and convenience.
  • LED screens for real-time information and entertainment.
  • CCTV surveillance for enhanced security.
  • Automatic doors with sensors and modern fire safety systems.
  • Onboard audio and video announcements for passenger updates.
  • Aircraft-inspired interiors for a luxurious travel experience.
  • Regenerative braking to enhance energy efficiency and reduce the train’s carbon footprint.
• Safety Features: Equipped with Kavach, an indigenous anti-collision system, along with crash buffers, deformation tubes, and fire-barrier walls to ensure passenger safety.
• Pet-Friendly Areas: Dedicated spaces for travelers with pets, making the journey inclusive.

These features make the Vande Bharat Sleeper Express a significant upgrade over conventional overnight trains, blending speed, safety, and luxury.

Route and Schedule

The first Vande Bharat Sleeper Express will operate on the Delhi–Patna route via Prayagraj, one of India’s busiest corridors, especially during festive seasons. The train is expected to:

• Depart from Patna at 8:00 PM and arrive in Delhi by 7:30 AM the next day.
• Return Journey: Follow a similar overnight schedule from Delhi to Patna.

This schedule allows passengers to travel overnight, saving time and ensuring a comfortable journey. While the Delhi–Patna route is confirmed as the inaugural service, other potential routes under consideration for future services include:

• Delhi–Howrah
• Delhi–Mumbai
• Delhi–Pune
• Delhi–Secunderabad
• Delhi–Ahmedabad
• Delhi–Bhopal
• Thiruvananthapuram–Mangaluru
• Bengaluru–Mangaluru

The selection of routes is guided by strategic connectivity, regional demand, and logistical feasibility, with political considerations, such as the upcoming Bihar elections, potentially influencing the prioritization of the Delhi–Patna route.

Ticket Prices

While exact fares are yet to be officially announced, estimates suggest that ticket prices will be 10–15% higher than those of the Rajdhani Express on the same route, reflecting the premium amenities and reduced travel time. Based on projections:

• AC 3-Tier: Approximately ₹3,200–₹3,400
• AC 2-Tier: Around ₹4,400–₹4,500
• AC First Class: Roughly ₹5,400–₹5,500

These fares position the Vande Bharat Sleeper Express as a competitive alternative to air travel, especially during peak festive seasons when flight prices soar. Dynamic pricing may also apply, with discounts for early bookings or off-peak travel.

Production and Future Plans

The Vande Bharat Sleeper train is a product of India’s push for self-reliance in rail technology under the Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative. The first prototype was unveiled in September 2024, with successful trials conducted by the Research Designs and Standards Organisation (RDSO) in January 2025, covering a 540 km stretch between Mumbai and Ahmedabad. A dedicated Vande Bharat Sleeper depot and workshop is being constructed near Bengaluru, expected to be operational by early 2026, to support maintenance and inspections.

Indian Railways has ambitious plans to expand the Vande Bharat Sleeper fleet:

• Nine additional trainsets will be rolled out between April and December 2025.
• Full-scale production of 24-car Vande Bharat Sleeper trains will commence in 2026–27, increasing capacity and further reducing travel times.
• Contracts have been awarded to manufacturers like Medha Servo Drives and Alstom for propulsion systems, and to a consortium of Titagarh Rail Systems Ltd (TRSL) and Bharat Heavy Electricals Ltd (BHEL) for 80 trainsets, alongside an Indo-Russian joint venture for 1,920 coaches.

These efforts reflect Indian Railways’ commitment to modernizing its infrastructure and enhancing passenger experiences across the country.

Why It Matters

The launch of the Vande Bharat Sleeper Express is a transformative step for Indian Railways, addressing the growing demand for faster, safer, and more comfortable overnight travel. The Delhi–Patna route is particularly significant due to its high passenger traffic, especially during festive seasons when millions travel between the capital and Bihar. By reducing travel time and offering premium amenities at affordable fares, the train is expected to:

• Ease congestion on busy routes.
• Boost connectivity for business and tourism in Bihar and Uttar Pradesh.
• Provide a sustainable alternative to air travel, with features like regenerative braking reducing environmental impact.

Moreover, the introduction of the sleeper variant expands the reach of the Vande Bharat brand, which already operates 150 services across 16 railway zones, connecting major cities with chair-car trains. The sleeper version is poised to redefine long-distance rail travel, making it a preferred choice for both locals and tourists.

Challenges and Considerations

Despite its promise, the Vande Bharat Sleeper Express faces some challenges:

• Speed Limitations: The addition of sleeper berths and amenities has increased the train’s weight, reducing its maximum speed from the planned 180 km/h to 130–160 km/h in some cases.
• Route Finalization: While the Delhi–Patna route is confirmed, other proposed routes are still under review, which may delay expansion plans.
• Cost Concerns: The slightly higher fares compared to existing trains may deter some budget-conscious travelers, though the enhanced experience is expected to justify the cost.

Rigorous testing and certification by the Railway Safety Commissioner will ensure the train meets all safety and performance standards before commercial operations begin.

Conclusion

The Vande Bharat Sleeper Express, launching in September 2025, is set to usher in a new era of overnight rail travel in India. With its blend of speed, luxury, and affordability, it promises to transform the way passengers travel between Delhi and Patna, and eventually across other major routes. As Indian Railways continues to modernize, the Vande Bharat Sleeper Express stands as a testament to innovation and progress, offering a world-class travel experience that is proudly made in India. Keep an eye out for official announcements regarding exact launch dates and ticket bookings as the festive season approaches!

Sources: Moneycontrol, CNBC TV18, India Today, The Times of India, News18