STN: Indian Railways has shared fresh updates on the Vande Bharat Sleeper project, covering rake modifications, zone-wise allocation, and the upcoming inaugural run. These updates signal steady progress toward introducing sleeper-style semi-high-speed trains for long-distance travel across India.
These trains are designed to improve overnight journeys by offering faster travel, modern interiors, and better passenger comfort. With multiple railway zones now receiving allocations, preparations are clearly moving into an advanced stage.
Vande Bharat Sleeper Rake Status: What’s Ready and What’s Next
As per the latest information, five rakes are currently part of the rollout plan.
Rake 1
Rake 1 remains under modification. Railway authorities are making technical and interior adjustments to meet operational and safety standards. This rake will likely join service after completing final inspections and approvals.
Rake 2
Rake 2 was first allotted to Northern Railway. However, the Railway Board has now reassigned it to Eastern Railway. This change reflects route planning priorities and readiness for deployment.
Rake 3
Rake 3 has been allocated to the North East Frontier Railway. This allocation highlights the focus on strengthening long-distance rail connectivity in the Northeast region.
Rake 4 and Rake 5
Both Rake 4 and Rake 5 have been allotted to Northern Railway. These rakes are expected to support future sleeper services on high-demand routes from North India.
The Railway Board officially confirmed these allocations on 6 January 2026.
Vande Bharat Sleeper Inaugural Run Details
Sleeper Inaugural Route
The inaugural run of the sleeper will be led by Rake 2 and Rake 3. These rakes will operate on the Kamakhya (Guwahati)–Howrah route, a key corridor connecting the Northeast with eastern India.
This route serves millions of passengers every year. Introducing a sleeper service here is expected to reduce travel time and improve overnight journey comfort.
Railway officials see this inaugural run as a major milestone before expanding sleeper services to other long-distance routes across the country.
Why the Vande Bharat Sleeper Matters
The train aims to replace traditional long-haul trains with faster and more efficient alternatives. Unlike chair car Vande Bharat trains, these sleeper versions will cater to passengers traveling overnight across states.
With improved safety systems, modern coaches, and optimized schedules, the project supports Indian Railways’ broader goal of upgrading passenger experience.
FAQs
A: The sleeper version focuses on overnight travel and includes sleeping berths instead of seating-only layouts.
A: Indian Railways has not announced official commercial service dates yet.
A: No official replacement plan exists, but sleeper trains may gradually reduce dependence on older rolling stock.
A: The design supports semi-high-speed operations, though actual speeds will depend on track conditions and route approvals.
A: Yes. Indian Railways plans to manufacture more sleeper rakes in phases.
This latest allocation update confirms that the Vande Bharat Sleeper project is moving steadily toward launch, with the Kamakhya–Howrah inaugural run set to be a key moment in India’s rail modernization journey.