New Delhi: At the International Railway Equipment Exhibition (IREE) 2025 held at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi, Kinet Railway Solutions, an Indo-Russian joint venture, unveiled the design concept of the First AC coach for the Vande Bharat Sleeper Train. This marks a significant milestone in Indian Railways’ modernization efforts.
Innovative Design Features
The First AC four-berth compartment is designed to offer a spacious, bright, and comfortable environment. Each seat is equipped with built-in USB ports, individual reading lights, and smart storage solutions. The use of modern and premium materials, along with soft tones and warm metallic accents, adds a touch of elegance to the cabin. A delicate national-style motif, developed with Indian artists using traditional block printing techniques, frames the cabin, adding a cultural warmth.
Vande Bharat Sleeper Train: Production and Rollout Plans
Kinet Railway Solutions is tasked with supplying 120 Vande Bharat Sleeper trains, comprising 1,920 coaches, to Indian Railways. The manufacturing will take place at the Marathwada Rail Coach Factory in Latur, Maharashtra, which is in the final stages of modernization. Production ramp-up is planned for the end of 2025. The first prototype is expected to be unveiled in June 2026.
Strategic Importance for Indian Railways
The introduction of the Vande Bharat Sleeper Train aligns with Indian Railways’ goal to modernize long-distance travel and improve passenger comfort.
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The sleeper variant is designed to offer faster, safer, and more comfortable travel compared to existing premium services like the Rajdhani Express. The launch of the sleeper service is expected to commence once the second train is fully ready for regular service.
Future Prospects
The Vande Bharat Sleeper Train is part of a broader initiative to enhance connectivity and travel experience across the country. With the first prototype slated for unveiling in 2026, passengers can look forward to a new era of rail travel that combines speed, comfort, and cultural aesthetics.
