Rail Vikas Nigam Limited, as part of a joint venture, is set to roll out the prototype of the Vande Bharat Sleeper train within the next year, according to senior officials from the Railway Board.
The project is being executed through Kinet Railway Solutions, a joint venture between RVNL and Russian rolling stock major Transmashholding (TMH). The consortium has been awarded a contract to manufacture 120 Vande Bharat Sleeper trainsets, forming a major component of Indian Railways’ long-distance modernisation programme.
The prototype rollout is expected to be a key milestone in the project timeline, with officials indicating that development work is progressing as per schedule. The Railway Board has emphasized that the prototype will be delivered within a year, aligning with the broader plan to introduce next-generation sleeper trains for long-distance travel.
The Vande Bharat Sleeper trains are designed to redefine overnight rail travel in India, offering enhanced passenger comfort, modern interiors, and improved ride quality compared to conventional sleeper coaches. These trainsets will be deployed on long-haul routes exceeding 1,000 km, catering to the growing demand for faster and more comfortable intercity travel.
The manufacturing programme is part of a larger initiative by Indian Railways to produce hundreds of Vande Bharat Sleeper coaches in phases, with multiple players, including BEML and other consortia, also involved in parallel production efforts.
According to the official statement, the project holds significant importance for both RVNL and Indian Railways, with the prototype marking the first major deliverable before full-scale production begins.
Once operational, the Vande Bharat Sleeper trains are expected to combine speed, safety, and premium passenger amenities, strengthening India’s railway infrastructure and elevating the standard of long-distance rail travel.