India’s First Vande Bharat Sleeper May Launch This Month

05 Sep 2025 CW Team

Indian Railways is preparing to launch the country’s first Vande Bharat Sleeper train this month, marking a significant leap in long-distance, high-speed rail travel. Designed for enhanced comfort and speed, the new sleeper variant of the Vande Bharat series will cater to medium and long-haul routes.

Speaking at an event in Bhavnagar, Gujarat last month, Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw confirmed that the Vande Bharat Sleeper train would debut in September, though an exact launch date has yet to be announced.

In a written reply to the Rajya Sabha on 25 July 2025, the Minister revealed that the first prototype rake has already been manufactured and is undergoing commissioning following extensive field trials.

While the route for the inaugural run has not been finalised, the Railway Board is expected to announce it soon.

The Vande Bharat Sleeper has been designed to run at speeds of up to 180 kmph, promising faster and more comfortable overnight journeys.

Equipped with world-class passenger amenities, the train features:

Integrated reading lights with USB charging ports
Public announcement and digital information systems
Interior display panels and CCTV security
Modular pantries
Special berths and toilets for differently-abled passengers
Hot-water showers in 1st AC coaches

The sleeper version builds on the success of India’s semi-high-speed Vande Bharat Express series and is set to redefine overnight travel with a blend of comfort, convenience, and advanced technology.

Infrastructure Transport

17 Oct 2025

Sonowal Unveils Eight Projects at NMPA’s Golden Jubilee

Union Minister for Ports, Shipping and Waterways, Shri Sarbananda Sonowal, inaugurated the Curtain Raiser Ceremony of the Golden Jubilee Celebrations of the New Mangalore Port Authority (NMPA) at Bharat Mandapam. To commemorate the milestone, he unveiled eight major maritime infrastructure projects designed to strengthen India’s port network, enhance logistics performance, and promote sustainability. These include a modern cruise terminal, new covered storage facilities, a 150-bed multi-speciality hospital, expanded truck terminals, and improved port access infrastructure aimed at enhancing..

India To Boost US LPG Imports, Cut Middle East Reliance

India is planning to reduce imports of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) from the Middle East as state-owned refiners prepare to ramp up purchases from the United States, according to sources familiar with the matter. The move aligns with New Delhi’s efforts to expand energy cooperation and secure a broader trade deal with Washington. State refiners have already notified their traditional LPG suppliers in Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Kuwait and Qatar of the potential reduction in imports. Although the exact size of the supply cut was not disclosed, earlier reports suggested that Indi..

UK Sanctions Nayara Energy in Crackdown on Russian Oil

The United Kingdom has announced fresh sanctions on 90 entities, including Indian refiner Nayara Energy Limited, in its latest bid to curb Russian oil revenues and weaken President Vladimir Putin’s war funding. The sanctions, unveiled jointly by the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) and the UK Treasury, aim to disrupt networks supporting Moscow’s crude exports amid the ongoing war in Ukraine. According to the FCDO, the new restrictions are intended to “strike at the heart of Putin’s war funding” by targeting firms and assets that enable Russia’s energy trade. “..