Vande Bharat Sleeper Train to Launch by Early 2026; Delhi–Howrah Likely First Route
New Delhi | Prime Headlines:
Indian Railways is preparing to launch its first-ever Vande Bharat Sleeper Train by January–February 2026, marking a major upgrade in overnight long-distance rail travel in India.
According to railway sources, the Delhi–Howrah corridor is the most likely route for the debut service. This route is one of the busiest and longest rail corridors in the country and has strong demand for faster, premium overnight trains.
Two Sleeper Trains from Day One
Indian Railways plans to introduce two Vande Bharat Sleeper rakes simultaneously:
One train originating from Delhi
One train originating from Howrah
This means both up and down services will be available from the very first day of operations, improving convenience for passengers on both ends of the route.
Built for Speed and Comfort
The Vande Bharat Sleeper trains are being manufactured by BEML (Bharat Earth Movers Limited). Key features include:
Maximum speed of 160 kmph
Modern interiors designed specifically for overnight travel
Enhanced sleeping comfort for long-distance journeys
Unlike the existing Vande Bharat chair car trains, the sleeper version is meant for long-haul routes, combining high speed with comfort for night travel.
Why It Matters
After the success of Vande Bharat chair car trains on short and medium routes, the sleeper variant marks Indian Railways’ move into premium long-distance travel. It is expected to reduce travel time, improve passenger experience, and offer a modern alternative to traditional overnight trains.
More routes are likely to be added once the first sleeper services prove successful.
