India’s First Vande Bharat Sleeper Set for December Launch (Source: Metro Rail)
Indian Railways is preparing to transform long-distance travel with the launch of the country’s first Vande Bharat Sleeper Train, which will combine the speed of Tejas, the comfort of Rajdhani, and the modern technology of Vande Bharat all in one service. This special train will begin its journey on the Delhi–Patna route, marking a major upgrade for passengers who frequently travel overnight.
The fatigue of long overnight journeys may soon fade away, as India’s first Vande Bharat sleeper train is expected to start operations between Patna and Delhi by the end of December. Indian Railways is in the final phase of preparations, and excitement among passengers is already rising.
According to a report by Hindustan, one of the two rakes of the Vande Bharat sleeper currently being manufactured at the Bengaluru-based BEML (Bharat Earth Movers Limited) factory has been fully completed.
The first rake is scheduled to be handed over to Northern Railway on December 12, after which it will undergo a trial run on the Delhi–Patna route.
This modern train will consist of 16 coaches offering 827 berths in total:
611 berths in Third AC
188 berths in Second AC
24 berths in First AC
The Vande Bharat sleeper has been developed with a strong focus on passenger comfort and convenience. The train will include:
Automatic doors
Bio-toilets
CCTV cameras
Personal reading lights
High-quality, comfortable interiors
Built for a top speed of 160 kmph, the train is equipped with advanced safety features such as the Kavach anti-collision system and a crash-resistant design. If needed in the future, the number of coaches can be increased from 16 to 24 coaches.
The Vande Bharat sleeper is expected to follow the schedule of the New Delhi–Rajendra Nagar Tejas Rajdhani Express. It is likely to operate six days a week.
From Patna, the train will depart in the evening from Rajendra Nagar Terminal and reach Delhi the next morning. The return timing will mirror the Tejas Rajdhani’s schedule.
The Danapur division has also confirmed that arrangements are nearly complete to start regular operations of the Vande Bharat sleeper train by the end of this month. Once introduced, the train is set to greatly improve the comfort and quality of travel for passengers on the busy Patna–Delhi route.
Also Read: Who is Sudhanshu Mani? The Railway Superstar Engineer Who Gave India the Vande Bharat Express
