Pune: The eagerly awaited Vande Bharat Sleeper train is set to launch by the end of January, offering a comfortable and high-speed travel experience at 160 km/h for long-distance routes.

The Integral Coach Factory (ICF) in Chennai has already completed the assembly of a 16-coach rake for the sleeper version, with additional train sets planned for production.

The sleeper train, with a cost of ₹120 crore per rake, provides a more feature-rich alternative to the Vande Bharat chair car, positioning itself as a modern option for extended travel.

The final decision on the sleeper’s route between two cities is pending approval from the Prime Minister's Office (PMO).

Additionally, with 24 pairs of Rajdhani Express trains currently operating nationwide, the Vande Bharat Sleeper is being developed as a potential replacement, promising faster speeds and a modern travel experience.

Comprehensive Testing

The Vande Bharat Sleeper is set to undergo a 45-day testing period, starting at ICF and progressing to trials at RDSO in Lucknow, covering braking to speed capabilities.

Final trials at speeds of up to 180 km/h will be conducted on a dedicated track between Kota and Sawai Madhopur, though service speed for passengers will be limited to 160 km/h.

M.G. Shankar, ICF's Public Relations Officer, stated, “Vande Bharat Sleeper will undergo extensive testing across multiple stages. Any issues will be addressed, and production will continue once RDSO approval is received.”