12 Vande Bharat Sleeper Trains to Roll Out Soon: Railway Minister Unveils Design, Features and Timeline

Railway travel is set to get a major overnight upgrade. Union Railways Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw has announced that India’s first Vande Bharat Sleeper Train , running between Guwahati and Kolkata, will be inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in January. Designed for long-distance night journeys, the train will depart from both cities in the evening and arrive the next morning, offering passengers a faster and more comfortable option.

Comfort-first sleeper design

Vaishnaw highlighted that the sleeper berths have been ergonomically designed with soft cushioning for better rest. Adjustable window shades allow passengers to control light and sunlight, while Braille markings, including on seat numbers, ensure accessibility for visually impaired travellers. He said, The stairs are ergonomically designed for climbing. There are different features for holding the tray, and the shades are designed in such a way that you can easily control the amount of light and sunlight you want. A lot of attention has been paid to the details."

Airline-style toilets with premium touches

The sleeper train introduces modern toilets equipped with bio-vacuum or bio-digester technology, preventing waste discharge on tracks. These modular, odour-free toilets are easier to maintain and more hygienic. A standout feature is the First Class AC coach, which includes a shower area with hot water, a rare luxury on Indian trains. Anti-spill, deep washbasins further help maintain cleanliness.

International-standard pantries

The onboard pantry meets global fire safety standards and is fully modular. It is fitted with ovens, hot cases, bottle coolers, deep freezers, and water boilers. Meals will be served by trained staff using trolleys or trays, delivered directly to passengers at their berths or seats.

Advanced safety systems

Safety remains a key focus. The Vande Bharat Sleeper is equipped with KAVACH, India’s Automatic Train Protection system. It continuously monitors train speed and signals, automatically applying brakes to prevent collisions, overspeeding, and signal violations.

Built for overnight journeys

According to Vaishnaw, the sleeper variant features a completely new design tailored for night travel. Pre-installed CCTV cameras, a reprogrammed braking system, and newly designed seats underline the train’s high-tech approach to passenger comfort and security.

Affordable fares for all

Despite the premium features, fares have been kept reasonable. Vaishnaw said the goal, inspired by the Prime Minister, is to make railways an accessible and reliable mode of transport for the middle class and low-income families. He shared, “The Prime Minister has always inspired us to make the railways a mode of transport for the middle class and low-income families. Keeping this in mind, the fare has also been kept very reasonable.”

With its blend of comfort, safety, and modern design, the Vande Bharat Sleeper Train promises to redefine overnight rail travel in India.