The Indian Railways’ ambitious Vande Bharat Sleeper train has become a symbol of the future of long-distance travel. While the sleek chair-car versions have revolutionized inter-city journeys, the promise of a high-speed sleeper variant has captured the nation’s imagination. However, passengers eagerly awaiting its launch will have to wait a little longer, as the Railway Ministry prioritizes safety and perfection over a rushed timeline.
Initially, there was hopeful speculation that the first sleeper coaches would be rolling out by October 2025. That deadline has come and gone. The reason? The Railway Board identified certain technical flaws in the train’s design and interior furnishings. In a firm statement, the Ministry clarified that this next-generation train will not enter service until every box for passenger safety and convenience is thoroughly checked.
This meticulous approach underscores a significant shift. The Railways is determined to make the Vande Bharat Sleeper Express the safest train in the country. What does this mean in practice?
The Kavach Shield: The installation of the advanced ‘Kavach’ anti-collision system (version 4.0) is non-negotiable and mandatory for these trains.
Fire and Brake Vigilance: All fire safety regulations will be strictly enforced, with the braking system undergoing rigorous and regular inspections.
Passenger Comfort: The design focuses on maintaining a consistent, comfortable temperature throughout the coaches, even with frequent door openings at stations.
On-Route Support: Trained technical staff will be available on every route to handle any emergencies swiftly.
The message is clear: the dream of a fatigue-free, comfortable overnight journey at high speed is still on the horizon, but the tracks are being laid with an uncompromising focus on security.
Fact Check
Claim: The Vande Bharat Sleeper train was launched.
Reality: False. The train has been officially announced and is under development, but it has not been launched for public service. The project is currently delayed due to design refinements.
People Also Ask
Q: What is the new launch date for the Vande Bharat Sleeper train?
As of now, the Indian Railways has not announced a new official launch date. The project is on hold while engineers address technical and design issues. The previous expectation of October 2025 has been missed. Updates are expected to come directly from the Railway Ministry.
Q: How is the sleeper version different from the current Vande Bharat trains?
The current Vande Bharat trains are primarily chair-car services, ideal for daytime travel. The sleeper version will feature private berths (likely AC 1st, 2nd, and 3rd tiers), allowing passengers to lie down and sleep, making it suitable for long-distance, overnight journeys spanning thousands of kilometers.
Q: What is the ‘Kavach’ system being installed on these trains?
Kavach is an indigenously developed Automatic Train Protection (ATP) system. It acts as a guardian for the train, automatically applying brakes if it detects another train on the same line, if the driver overspeeds, or passes a signal at danger (red). Its inclusion on the sleeper trains is a top priority for safety.
Meanwhile, a New Vande Bharat Route Connects Uttar Pradesh
In other exciting news, the Vande Bharat Express network continues to expand. A new service is set to connect Lucknow to Saharanpur, weaving through key cities including Sitapur, Shahjahanpur, Bareilly, and Moradabad.
This new route is a game-changer for travelers in the region. The journey from Lucknow to destinations like Saharanpur and Dehradun, which was once long and arduous, will now be significantly shorter and far more comfortable.
While an official announcement is pending, railway sources indicate that the inaugural run is tentatively scheduled for November 8th. It is anticipated that Prime Minister Narendra Modi will inaugurate the service virtually. To mark the occasion, the train will be specially decorated, and key stations along the route are preparing a warm welcome for its first passengers.