India’s push for faster and smarter rail travel reached a major milestone on Tuesday. The upcoming Vande Bharat Sleeper train successfully completed a high-speed trial, showing strong stability even at 180 kmph. The test signals a major leap toward modern overnight train travel in the country.
Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw shared visuals from the test run, offering a glimpse of what could soon redefine long-distance rail journeys in India.
Vande Bharat Sleeper Train Clears High-Speed Trial
The Vande Bharat Sleeper train underwent a crucial trial on the Kota–Nagda section. The Commissioner of Railway Safety supervised the test. The train touched speeds of 180 kmph during the run.
Ashwini Vaishnaw confirmed the achievement in a post on X.
“Vande Bharat Sleeper tested today by Commissioner Railway Safety. It ran at 180 kmph between Kota Nagda section. And our own water test demonstrated the technological features of this new generation train,” he wrote.
Vande Bharat Sleeper tested today by Commissioner Railway Safety. It ran at 180 kmph between Kota Nagda section. And our own water test demonstrated the technological features of this new generation train. pic.twitter.com/w0tE0Jcp2h
— Ashwini Vaishnaw (@AshwiniVaishnaw) December 30, 2025
The test marks an important step before the train enters regular service.
What Is the Vande Bharat Sleeper Water Test?
One highlight of the trial was the “water test.” Officials placed glasses filled with water on a flat surface inside the train. The water did not spill, even at top speed.
A video shared online showed the speed touching 182 kmph on a mobile screen. The steady glasses impressed viewers and underlined the train’s balance and ride comfort.
The test aimed to show how stable the train remains at high speed.
Speed Capabilities of Vande Bharat Trains
Current Vande Bharat trains operate as semi-high-speed services. They have a design speed of 180 kmph and usually run at up to 160 kmph.
“The average speed of the train depends upon the geometry of the track, stoppages enroute, maintenance work in the section etc,” read an earlier railway ministry statement.
The sleeper version builds on this platform but focuses on long-distance night travel.
What Makes Vande Bharat Sleeper Different?
The Vande Bharat Sleeper will serve passengers travelling overnight on long routes. It will mainly cater to AC class travellers.
“Looking ahead, the upcoming Vande Bharat Sleeper is set to transform overnight travel. It will combine speed, comfort, and modern amenities for long-distance passengers,” the ministry said in a recent statement.
The train aims to cut travel time on busy routes and later expand nationwide.
Indian Railways’ Push for Faster Connectivity
Indian Railways continues to expand the Vande Bharat network. Earlier this month, the Chennai–Andhra Pradesh route received an extended Vande Bharat service up to Narasapur.
The expansion highlights the railways’ focus on speed, comfort, and modern infrastructure.
With the successful sleeper trial, India moves closer to high-speed overnight rail travel.
