Big Update On Vande Bharat Sleeper Production: First 16-Coach Rake By March, Full Train Rollout Set For…

Last Updated:February 24, 2026, 10:29 IST

Titagarh Rail Systems, based in Uttarpara, West Bengal, is playing a central role in this project.

The work on the Vande Bharat Sleeper trains is going on in full swing. These trains are being developed as fully air-conditioned sleeper services with advanced systems. Titagarh Rail Systems is playing a central role in this project. It is based in Uttarpara, West Bengal. The company is working in partnership with Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited (BHEL) to manufacture the trainsets.

The project involves the manufacturing of 80 Vande Bharat trainsets, with each set comprising 16 coaches. As per the official website of Titagarh Rail Systems, the contract value is close to Rs 24,000 crores, which also includes their maintenance for the next 35 years.

Vande Bharat Sleeper Production: First Rake Targeted For March Completion

Production work has already begun at the facilities involved in the project. The aim is to complete the car bodies for the first rake by March 31, The Indian Express reported. The first rake will consist of 16 coaches built as per the approved design specifications. The manufacturing process is being carried out under the framework laid down by the Ministry of Railways.

“Vande Bharat production has already started. We expect by the end of this financial year, that is March 2026, to be able to complete the car bodies of the first rake, which is 16 cars," Umesh Chowdhary, Vice Chairman and Managing Director, Titagarh Rail Systems Limited, said in a statement as quoted by the outlet. His remarks confirm that physical production is underway.

The company has also set a target for rolling out the first completed train in the coming financial cycle. “We are already in production, which will again be a milestone. And the first train is likely to be ready in the Q3 of this financial of the coming financial year," Chowdhary said. This places the expected rollout of the first train in the third quarter of the financial year 2027.

The Ministry of Railways awarded contracts for the Vande Bharat Sleeper trains to three entities. These include BEML, Kinet Railway Solutions and a consortium of Titagarh Rail Systems Limited with BHEL. Kinet Railway Solutions is a joint venture between Russian rolling stock major TMH and Rail Vikas Nigam Limited (RVNL). Each of these companies has been tasked with manufacturing a set number of sleeper trainsets. The allocation forms part of a larger procurement and manufacturing plan.

India’s First Operational Vande Bharat Sleeper

This manufacturing update comes after India received its first operational Vande Bharat Sleeper train in January this year. The service connects Howrah Junction in Kolkata with Kamakhya Junction in Guwahati. Designed as a semi-high-speed overnight service, the train covers roughly 972 kilometres in about 14 hours. The introduction marked the entry of sleeper coaches into the Vande Bharat category.

The train operates six days a week with fixed departure and arrival timings. From Howrah to Kamakhya, Train No. 27575 departs at 6:20 PM and arrives at 8:20 AM the next day, with Thursday as its off day. In the reverse direction, Train No. 27576 departs Kamakhya at 6:15 PM and reaches Howrah at 8:15 AM the next morning, with Wednesday as the off day. The service follows a consistent weekly schedule. Timings have been structured to suit overnight travellers.

What Does The Pricing Look Like?

The Vande Bharat Sleeper service runs with a standard 16-coach configuration and has a total capacity of 823 passengers. It includes 11 AC 3-Tier coaches with 611 berths, four AC 2-Tier coaches with 188 berths and one AC First Class coach with 24 berths. Fare for AC 3-Tier ranges from Rs 2,300 to Rs 2,435. AC 2-Tier fares range between Rs 2,970 and Rs 3,145, while AC First Class is priced between Rs 3,600 and Rs 3,855. The minimum chargeable distance for booking is 400 km.

What’s Included In Services?

Onboard features include region-specific catering curated by IRCTC. Passengers boarding from Howrah are served Bengali dishes such as sandesh and rasgulla, while those from Kamakhya receive Assamese cuisine. The train runs at a maximum speed of 130 km/h on this route, though it is designed for speeds up to 180 kmph. It is equipped with the Kavach anti-collision system and CCTV surveillance. Passenger facilities include cushioned berths, automatic inter-coach doors, bio-vacuum toilets, advanced suspension and hot-water shower units in the First AC coach.

What Are The Stations Where Vande Bharat Sleeper Train Halts?

The train halts at 13 intermediate stations during its journey. In West Bengal, it stops at Bandel, Nabadwip Dham, Katwa, Azimganj, New Farakka, Malda Town, Aluabari Road, New Jalpaiguri, Jalpaiguri Road, New Cooch Behar and New Alipurduar. In Assam, the stoppages include New Bongaigaon and Rangiya. These stations form the operational halt points between Howrah Junction and Kamakhya Junction.

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