Indian Railway to Build 24-Coach Vande Bharat Sleeper Train: Features, Facilities & Launch Date

Indian Railways is preparing a longer version of its Vande Bharat sleeper train, with 24 coaches in every rake. The target launch is June 2027. At present, the railway network runs chair-car Vande Bharat trains and the 16-coach sleeper version.

Key Features of 24-Coach Vande Bharat Sleeper Train

The Integral Coach Factory (ICF), Chennai, will build these trains, and 50 trainsets are planned. Key features include:

• A separate pantry car where food can be heated and served on long journeys
• More bio-vacuum toilets, including toilets with baby-care facilities
• Design speed of 160 km/h, with testing possible up to 180 km/h
• Cushioned berths, individual reading lights, charging points and emergency communication systems
• Hot water shower facility in First AC coaches
• Automatic doors and sealed gangways that keep the temperature steady and reduce dust
• The indigenous KAVACH train protection system

Difference Between 16-Coach vs 24-Coach Vande Bharat Sleeper Train

16-Coach Vande Bharat Successful 180 kmph Trial on Mathura–Nagda Section

On October 8, 2026, a 16-coach Vande Bharat Chair Car train completed a 180 kmph trial on the Mathura–Nagda section. The Chief Commissioner of Railway Safety (CCRS) supervised the trial, which checked performance, ride quality and safety. The train was built at the Rail Coach Factory (RCF), Kapurthala, Punjab.

A 180 kmph test run does not mean passenger trains will run at that speed. The Ministry of Railways states that the design speed of chair car trains is 180 kmph, but the maximum operating speed is 160 kmph.

More than 200 sleeper trainsets are in the pipeline: 10 by BEML with ICF’s support, 120 by Indo-Russian joint venture Kinet, 80 by the Titagarh–BHEL consortium, and 50 24-coach sets by ICF.

How the 24-Coach Vande Bharat Sleeper Train Improves the Railway Journey?

A longer train can carry more passengers on busy overnight routes. The pantry car means hot meals on board, and extra toilets should reduce waiting. Sealed gangways add comfort, while KAVACH adds safety. Note that June 2027 is only a target, as the design is still being finalised.