+
Vande Bharat Sleepers delayed to mid-2024
RAILWAYS & METRO RAIL

Vande Bharat Sleepers delayed to mid-2024

The Vande Bharat Sleeper, as announced by Railways Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw in October 2023, was anticipated to be launched by March 2024. Vaishnaw mentioned that this version would offer superior amenities compared to the Rajdhani/Shatabdi trains. It was suggested that introducing a Sleeper version would attract more overnight traffic on some of the Indian Railways' busiest routes.

However, there has been a slight delay in the timeline, and it is now anticipated that the first prototype of the Vande Bharat Sleeper will be ready by mid-2024, with the actual launch expected a few months thereafter. Recently, Vaishnaw inaugurated the car body structure of the Vande Bharat Sleeper, which is being manufactured by Bharat Earth Movers (BEML). Like its chair car predecessor, the sleeper Vande Bharat aims to enhance passenger comfort and reduce travel time through design improvements and other upgrades. However, like the chair car version, the launch of the Sleeper variant is also facing delays.

Prime Minister Modi announced the launch of 75 Vande Bharat trains in 75 weeks during his Independence Day speech in 2021. However, only 56 chair car trains have been rolled out from the Integral Coach Factory, Chennai, which was tasked with manufacturing the chair car version of the Vande Bharat series.

The Vande Bharat trains, known for their engine-less design running on traction, promise faster braking, acceleration, and deceleration compared to older trains. These trains offer lower cabin noise, improved safety features, and faster journeys, among other passenger amenities. While the first Vande Bharat Express was introduced in February 2019, offering only chair car seating, the Sleeper version is currently in development, followed by a standard gauge VB intended for export markets. The Vande Bharat Express can reach speeds of up to 160 kilometres per hour and provides various travel classes with enhanced facilities.

The Ministry of Railways was approached with queries regarding the VB Sleeper bids and the reasons for the delay in its rollout, but responses were not received. However, it is known that tenders were initially called for 200 Vande Bharat Sleeper trains, won by two consortia: RVNL-TMH-LES and BHEL-Titagarh Wagons. Subsequently, BEML was awarded a contract for ten trains to meet the anticipated timeline for the General Elections of 2024.

The first consortium, comprising Rail Vikas Nigam Limited, Transmashholding, Locomotive Electronic Systems, and LES, is responsible for manufacturing 120 Vande Bharat Sleeper trains, while the second consortium will manufacture the remaining 80 trains. Disputes over the first consortium's majority shareholding delayed progress, ultimately resulting in the Russian partner holding a 70% stake in the new SPV, Kinet Railway Solutions Limited.

Despite its delayed timeline, BEML is expected to deliver a Sleeper Vande Bharat within 2024. However, concerns have been raised regarding BEML's expertise in manufacturing such trains, with some suggesting that ICF Chennai, responsible for the chair car version, would have been a more suitable choice.

The Vande Bharat project has been praised for introducing semi-high-speed trains, but experts caution against claims of significant speed improvements, citing the need for track upgrades. Currently, most tracks are only suitable for speeds up to 130 kilometres per hour. Although the Sleeper can operate at 160 kilometres per hour, track upgrades are necessary to fully realise this potential.

The pricing of the Vande Bharat Sleeper will be crucial, with comparisons drawn to existing fare structures. Occupancy rates on Vande Bharat trains, particularly on routes like Bengaluru-Hyderabad, indicate a need for competitive pricing to ensure viability against existing services like the Rajdhani.

The Vande Bharat Sleeper, as announced by Railways Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw in October 2023, was anticipated to be launched by March 2024. Vaishnaw mentioned that this version would offer superior amenities compared to the Rajdhani/Shatabdi trains. It was suggested that introducing a Sleeper version would attract more overnight traffic on some of the Indian Railways' busiest routes. However, there has been a slight delay in the timeline, and it is now anticipated that the first prototype of the Vande Bharat Sleeper will be ready by mid-2024, with the actual launch expected a few months thereafter. Recently, Vaishnaw inaugurated the car body structure of the Vande Bharat Sleeper, which is being manufactured by Bharat Earth Movers (BEML). Like its chair car predecessor, the sleeper Vande Bharat aims to enhance passenger comfort and reduce travel time through design improvements and other upgrades. However, like the chair car version, the launch of the Sleeper variant is also facing delays. Prime Minister Modi announced the launch of 75 Vande Bharat trains in 75 weeks during his Independence Day speech in 2021. However, only 56 chair car trains have been rolled out from the Integral Coach Factory, Chennai, which was tasked with manufacturing the chair car version of the Vande Bharat series. The Vande Bharat trains, known for their engine-less design running on traction, promise faster braking, acceleration, and deceleration compared to older trains. These trains offer lower cabin noise, improved safety features, and faster journeys, among other passenger amenities. While the first Vande Bharat Express was introduced in February 2019, offering only chair car seating, the Sleeper version is currently in development, followed by a standard gauge VB intended for export markets. The Vande Bharat Express can reach speeds of up to 160 kilometres per hour and provides various travel classes with enhanced facilities. The Ministry of Railways was approached with queries regarding the VB Sleeper bids and the reasons for the delay in its rollout, but responses were not received. However, it is known that tenders were initially called for 200 Vande Bharat Sleeper trains, won by two consortia: RVNL-TMH-LES and BHEL-Titagarh Wagons. Subsequently, BEML was awarded a contract for ten trains to meet the anticipated timeline for the General Elections of 2024. The first consortium, comprising Rail Vikas Nigam Limited, Transmashholding, Locomotive Electronic Systems, and LES, is responsible for manufacturing 120 Vande Bharat Sleeper trains, while the second consortium will manufacture the remaining 80 trains. Disputes over the first consortium's majority shareholding delayed progress, ultimately resulting in the Russian partner holding a 70% stake in the new SPV, Kinet Railway Solutions Limited. Despite its delayed timeline, BEML is expected to deliver a Sleeper Vande Bharat within 2024. However, concerns have been raised regarding BEML's expertise in manufacturing such trains, with some suggesting that ICF Chennai, responsible for the chair car version, would have been a more suitable choice. The Vande Bharat project has been praised for introducing semi-high-speed trains, but experts caution against claims of significant speed improvements, citing the need for track upgrades. Currently, most tracks are only suitable for speeds up to 130 kilometres per hour. Although the Sleeper can operate at 160 kilometres per hour, track upgrades are necessary to fully realise this potential. The pricing of the Vande Bharat Sleeper will be crucial, with comparisons drawn to existing fare structures. Occupancy rates on Vande Bharat trains, particularly on routes like Bengaluru-Hyderabad, indicate a need for competitive pricing to ensure viability against existing services like the Rajdhani.

Next Story
Real Estate

Heena Lalwani Buys Rs 1.13 Billion Juhu Apartment

Heena Lalwani, promoter of Aatman Innovations Private Limited, has purchased a luxury apartment worth Rs 1.13 billion in Mumbai’s upscale Juhu locality, according to property registration documents accessed by Zapkey.com.The 9,862 sq ft apartment, located on the 10th floor of Lodha Developers’ Avalon Tower, was acquired at Rs 115,000 per sq ft and comes with five car parking spaces. The deal, registered on 18 August 2025, also included the payment of Rs 68 million in stamp duty and a Rs 30,000 registration fee.Lodha Developers did not respond to queries regarding the transaction, while the..

Next Story
Real Estate

Godrej Buys KPHB Land for Rs 7 Billion in E-Auction

An acre of prime land in Kukatpally Housing Board (KPHB), Hyderabad, was auctioned for Rs 7 billion, with the Telangana Housing Board generating Rs 5.47 billion from the sale of 7.8 acres through e-auction on 20 August 2025.The auction notification was issued last month, attracting bids from Godrej Properties, Aurobindo Realty, Prestige Estates, and Ashoka Builders, according to Board vice-chairman V.P. Gautham. With an offset price of Rs 4 billion per acre, the three-hour auction saw 46 bid increases, before Godrej Properties acquired the land.Revenue generated from the auction will be utilis..

Next Story
Real Estate

HMDA to Auction 93 Prime Plots in September

The Hyderabad Metropolitan Development Authority (HMDA) is preparing to conduct a three-day auction of prime open plots across Hyderabad, Rangareddy, and Medchal-Malkajgiri districts this September.According to official reports, the e-auction will take place on 17, 18, and 19 September, offering 93 plots. Of these, 70 are located in the Bachupally HMDA layout, with the remainder spread across Turkayamjal, Kokapet, Poppalguda, Chandanagar, Bairagiguda, Gandi Maisamma, Suraram, Medipally, and Bachupally village.The highest upset price has been fixed at Rs 175,000 per square yard for a land parce..

Advertisement

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Get daily newsletters around different themes from Construction world.

STAY CONNECTED

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement

Talk to us?