+
RVNL Aims For June 2026 Vande Bharat Sleeper Prototype
RAILWAYS & METRO RAIL

RVNL Aims For June 2026 Vande Bharat Sleeper Prototype

Rail Vikas Nigam Limited has targeted June 2026 to roll out the first prototype of the Vande Bharat Sleeper, signalling an accelerated push to enhance long distance passenger comfort and capacity. The company indicated during its third quarter fiscal year 26 earnings call that work on the sleeper project is progressing according to planned timelines and that prototype delivery constitutes a key milestone for the railways programme.

The RVNL led joint venture has been tasked to manufacture 120 Vande Bharat Sleeper trainsets, each comprising 16 coaches, which will bring total coach production to 1,920 coaches. The scale of the order reflects the railways emphasis on overnight services and the strategic importance attached to modernising long haul rolling stock.

The Ministry of Railways awarded contracts for the Vande Bharat Sleeper to three manufacturers, including BEML, Kinet Railway Solutions and a consortium of Titagarh Rail Systems and Bharat Heavy Engineering Limited. Kinet Railway Solutions is a joint venture between Russian rolling stock major TMH and RVNL, and the selection of multiple suppliers is intended to build capacity and diversify production sources.

One Vande Bharat Sleeper service, operating between Howrah and Kamakhya, entered service in January 2026 and was developed by BEML using technology from the Chennai based Integral Coach Factory. That service has provided early operational data and design validation that will inform follow on manufacturing and fitment decisions for the broader fleet.

Kinet Railway Solutions unveiled a design concept of the First AC coach on October 15, 2025, indicating a four berth compartment with enhanced privacy and integrated amenities. Features described by the company include easy access to upper berths via a staircase, built in USB ports, individual reading lights and smart storage solutions, and these elements are being incorporated as the joint venture advances prototype construction.

Rail Vikas Nigam Limited has targeted June 2026 to roll out the first prototype of the Vande Bharat Sleeper, signalling an accelerated push to enhance long distance passenger comfort and capacity. The company indicated during its third quarter fiscal year 26 earnings call that work on the sleeper project is progressing according to planned timelines and that prototype delivery constitutes a key milestone for the railways programme. The RVNL led joint venture has been tasked to manufacture 120 Vande Bharat Sleeper trainsets, each comprising 16 coaches, which will bring total coach production to 1,920 coaches. The scale of the order reflects the railways emphasis on overnight services and the strategic importance attached to modernising long haul rolling stock. The Ministry of Railways awarded contracts for the Vande Bharat Sleeper to three manufacturers, including BEML, Kinet Railway Solutions and a consortium of Titagarh Rail Systems and Bharat Heavy Engineering Limited. Kinet Railway Solutions is a joint venture between Russian rolling stock major TMH and RVNL, and the selection of multiple suppliers is intended to build capacity and diversify production sources. One Vande Bharat Sleeper service, operating between Howrah and Kamakhya, entered service in January 2026 and was developed by BEML using technology from the Chennai based Integral Coach Factory. That service has provided early operational data and design validation that will inform follow on manufacturing and fitment decisions for the broader fleet. Kinet Railway Solutions unveiled a design concept of the First AC coach on October 15, 2025, indicating a four berth compartment with enhanced privacy and integrated amenities. Features described by the company include easy access to upper berths via a staircase, built in USB ports, individual reading lights and smart storage solutions, and these elements are being incorporated as the joint venture advances prototype construction.

Related Stories

Gold Stories

Next Story
Real Estate

Peninsula Land launches 19 luxury villas in Pune

Pune’s residential landscape is witnessing a shift as premium homebuyers increasingly seek larger spaces, privacy and independent living options beyond high-rise apartments. Addressing this demand, Peninsula Land Limited, part of the Ashok Piramal Group, has launched AshokVillas, an exclusive collection of 19 premium furnished villas in Gahunje, Pune.The development combines the independence of a standalone home with the convenience and security of a managed residential community. Designed around low-density horizontal living, AshokVillas offers residents private spaces while providing acces..

Next Story
Infrastructure Urban

MyBranch Expands South India Network with 16 Workspace Centres

MyBranch has expanded its South India presence with a 50,000 sq ft flexible workspace network comprising 16 centres across 14 cities in Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu and Telangana.The expansion reflects growing demand for flexible office infrastructure as businesses establish regional teams, satellite offices and operations beyond traditional metropolitan markets. MyBranch’s network spans Bengaluru, Coimbatore, Guntur, Hanamkonda, Hubballi, Hyderabad, Madurai, Mangaluru, Rajahmundry, Salem, Tirupati, Vellore, Vijayawada and Visakhapatnam, with a large office space in Chennai also und..

Next Story
Building Material

Walplast Launches Moisture-Resistant Gypsum Plaster Solutions

Walplast Products Pvt. Ltd. has expanded its HomeSure GypEx portfolio with the launch of GypEx MoistShield and GypEx Gold, two gypsum plaster solutions designed to address moisture-prone applications and improve plastering efficiency.The new products have been developed in response to the growing demand for faster construction processes, improved material performance and consistent surface quality. The solutions aim to simplify interior plastering while addressing specific application requirements across construction environments.“Through HomeSure GypEx MoistShield and GypEx Gold, we are exp..

Advertisement

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Get daily newsletters around different themes from Construction world.

STAY CONNECTED

Advertisement

SPECIAL OFFER
QR Code