Vande Bharat sleeper prototype likely within a year, says Railway Board chief Satish Kumar

The manufacturing is being undertaken by Kinet Railway Solutions, a collaboration between RVNL and Transmashholding. Representational Pic/File

The prototype of the Vande Bharat Sleeper train - being developed by a joint venture led by Rail Vikas Nigam Limited - is expected to be launched for testing within the next year. This update was shared by Satish Kumar, Chairman and CEO of the Railway Board, during the company's 21st annual day celebrations, reported the PTI.

"After that, they have to supply 120 trains," Kumar said, lauding several landmark projects completed by the company in the recent past. One of them is the new Pamban Bridge, which is the country's first vertical-lift sea bridge.

Describing the sleeper version as a flagship initiative, Kumar highlighted that once the prototype clears trials, the joint venture will proceed with delivering 120 trainsets. The manufacturing is being undertaken by Kinet Railway Solutions, a collaboration between RVNL and Transmashholding.

Timeline uncertainty around prototype launch

While earlier indications from Saleem Ahmad suggested a possible unveiling in June 2026, officials now believe the testing phase could be pushed into 2027 due to ongoing development work, according to the PTI.

Broader manufacturing programme

According to Ashwini Vaishnaw, the Vande Bharat Sleeper programme is being executed in stages - covering prototype development, trials, and full-scale production, the news agency reported.

A total of 260 trainsets are planned -

- 120 by Kinet Railway Solutions

- 80 by the BHEL-Titagarh consortium

- 50 by Integral Coach Factory

- Remaining units by BEML Limited with ICF's support

- Recent Developments and Design Progress

The Kinet Railway Solutions recently revealed a mock-up of the First AC sleeper compartment at the Marathwada Rail Coach Factory in Latur, showcasing modern design concepts aimed at improving passenger comfort, as per the PTI.

Earlier launch and future expansion

India's first operational pair of Vande Bharat Sleeper trains was flagged off by Narendra Modi on 17 January, running between Kamakhya and Howrah. However, further rollout schedules for additional routes remain unconfirmed by the Railway Ministry, the news agency reported.

Notable infra achievement

During the event, Kumar also praised RVNL's role in delivering landmark infrastructure projects, including the country's first vertical-lift sea bridge - the new Pamban Bridge, according to the PTI.

(with PTI inputs)