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{{Short description|Semi high-speed EMU sleeper trainset of India}}
{{About|the sleeper trainset|the chair car trainset|Vande Bharat (trainset)}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=June 2025}}
{{infobox train
| name = Vande Bharat Sleeper
| background = #FF7220
| image = File:Vande Bharat sleeper trainset prototype at BEML.jpeg
| caption = First prototype manufactured by [[BEML]]
| stocktype = [[Electric Multiple Unit]]
| manufacturer = [[BEML]]
| designer = [[Integral Coach Factory]]
| numberbuilt = 2<ref name="AIR">{{cite news|url=https://www.newsonair.gov.in/two-vande-bharat-sleeper-trains-to-be-launched-soon-ashwini-vaishnaw/|title=Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw says Vande Bharat sleeper train to be launched soon|date=24 September 2025|access-date=1 January 2026|work=[[All India Radio]]}}</ref>
| operator = [[Indian Railways]]
| carbody = [[Austenitic stainless steel]] and [[polycarbonate]]
| doors = Automatic
| electricsystem = {{25 kV 50 Hz}} [[overhead line]]
| collectionmethod = [[Pantograph (transport)|Pantograph]]
| brakes = [[Railway air brake|Air brake]] with [[regenerative braking]]
| safety = [[Kavach (train protection system)|Kavach]]
| gauge = {{Track gauge|5ft6in|lk=on}} [[Broad gauge]]
| maxspeed = {{cvt|180|kph}}<ref name="AIR"/>
}}

The '''Vande Bharat Sleeper''' trainset, formerly known as '''Train 20''', is a [[Higher-speed rail|semi-high-speed]], long-distance [[electric multiple unit]] developed for the [[Vande Bharat Sleeper Express|Vande Bharat Sleeper]] services of the [[Indian Railways]]. It was developed by the [[Integral Coach Factory]] based on the [[Vande Bharat (trainset)|Vande Bharat trainset]], with modifications to the exterior, added sleeping berths, and other amenities to cater to long-distance service. Each trainset has sixteen cars, and is capable of accommodating up to 823 passengers in three classes. The first prototype was launched in September 2024 and commercial operations began in January 2026.

== Background and planning ==
The express trains operated by the [[Indian Railways]] are often limited to a maximum speed of {{cvt|100-110|kph}}, with the average speeds of about {{cvt|54|kph}}. The major limitations included the lack of infrastructure such as tracks and trainsets that are capable of supporting higher speeds.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.firstpost.com/budget/budget-2014/six-reasons-indian-railways-lags-behind-speed-efficiency-1608691.html|title=Six reasons why Indian trains are appallingly slow|work=[[Firstpost]]|date=8 July 2014}}</ref> In the 2010s, the Indian Railways began to develop new trainsets in a bid to improve speed.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.thebetterindia.com/118189/train-20-indian-railways-to-unleash-world-class-semi-speed-trains-by-2020/|title=Indian railways to unleash world-class semi-speed trains by 2020|work=The Better India|date=13 October 2017}}</ref> In 2018, the [[Integral Coach Factory]] (ICF) in [[Chennai]] developed [[Electric Multiple Unit]] based [[Vande Bharat (trainset)|Vande Bharat]] trainsets (earlier known as Train 18), composed of [[chair car]] coaches, which were intended for operating short-distance services.<ref>{{cite web |date=29 October 2018 |title=Train 18: Country's first engine-less train rolled out; Train 20 next |work=[[The Economic Times]] |url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/industry/transportation/railways/train-18-countrys-first-engine-less-train-rolled-out-train-20-next/articleshow/66419774.cms |access-date=20 May 2023 |issn=0013-0389}}</ref> In 2018, the Indian Railways planned a [[Sleeping car|sleeper]] version of Vande Bharat trainset for long-distance operations.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/industry/transportation/railways/train-18-countrys-first-engine-less-train-rolled-out-train-20-next/articleshow/66419774.cms|title=Train-18 country's first engine-less train rolled out; Train 20 next|work=[[The Economic Times]] |date=29 October 2018}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.thenewsminute.com/article/train-20-aluminium-bodied-trainsets-run-rajdhani-routes-73694|title=Train-20: Aluminium-bodied trainsets to run on Rajdhani routes|work=News Minute|date=25 December 2017}}</ref> The coaches were planned to be made of lightweight [[aluminium]], for better efficiency, and aesthetics. The first prototype was expected to be out by 2020, and it was named "Train 20".<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.freepressjournal.in/business/train-20-aluminium-bodied-trainsets-for-rajdhani-routes|title=Train-20: Aluminium-bodied trainsets for Rajdhani routes|work=Free Press Journal|date=26 December 2017}}</ref>

== Manufacturing ==
In early 2018, The Indian Railways invited bids for the manufacture of 291 coaches for 15 trainsets. As per the bid conditions, the first trainset consisting of 20 coaches will be transferred to ICF, which will be developed as a prototype. The other trainsets will be assembled at ICF, based on the components supplied by the successful bidder.<ref name="Week">{{cite web|url=https://www.theweek.in/news/biz-tech/lone-bidder-for-ambitious-rs-2700-crore-train-20-project.html|title=Lone bidder for ambitious Rs 2,700 crore Train-20 project|work=[[The Week (India)|The Week]]|date=14 February 2018}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://indianexpress.com/article/india/engine-less-train-160-kmph-train-18-to-be-out-in-june-train-20-in-2020-5035128/|title=Engine-less train: 160 kmph Train 18 to be out in June, Train 20 in 2020|work=[[The Indian Express]]|date=23 January 2018}}</ref> In the bidding process, [[Stadler Rail|Stadler]]-Medha consortium emerged as the sole bidder.<ref name="Week"/> In July 2018, the Nallasopara-Virar train shed of the [[Western Railway Zone|Western Railways]] was identified as a potential site for housing the trainsets.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.financialexpress.com/infrastructure/railways/indian-railways-self-propelled-modern-t-20-train-sets-may-be-maintained-in-nallasopara-virar-report/1236940/|title=Indian Railways' self-propelled modern T-20 train sets may be maintained in Nallasopara-Virar: Report|work=[[The Financial Express (India)|The Financial Express]]|date=9 July 2018}}</ref> In August 2018, the [[Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade]] of the [[Government of India]] red-flagged the initial tender, stating that it was not in line with the '[[Make in India]]' project.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.financialexpress.com/infrastructure/railways/train-20-after-shatabdis-indian-railways-to-replace-rajdhani-express-with-world-class-160-kmph-train-sets/1273814/|title=Train 20: World-class semi-high speed train sets to replace Indian Railways Rajdhani Express; know about them|work=[[The Financial Express (India)|The Financial Express]]|date=8 August 2018|access-date=1 June 2025}}</ref>

In April 2022, a new tender was floated for the manufacture 200 sleeper trainsets with [[stainless steel]] coaches.<ref>{{cite news |date=27 April 2022 |title=Railways invites bids for 200 Vande Bharat trains with sleeper coaches for long-distance travel |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/railways-invites-bids-for-200-vande-bharat-trains-with-sleeper-coaches-for-long-distance-travel/articleshow/91133641.cms |access-date=29 April 2023 |work=[[The Times of India]]}}</ref> In March 2023, the contract for the production of the 120 trainsets was awarded to Kinet Railway Systems, a consortium of [[Rail Vikas Nigam]] and [[Transmashholding]], which emerged as the lowest bidder with {{INRconvert|1.2|b}} per trainset.<ref>{{cite news | url=https://indiainfrahub.com/2023/featured/sleeper-edition-vande-bharat-express-indian-railways-issues-contract-award-letter-for-production-of-120-trains/ | title=Sleeper Edition Vande Bharat Express: Indian Railways Issues Contract Award Letter for Production of 120 Trains |work=Indian Infra| date=30 March 2023 |access-date=1 June 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |date=2 March 2023 |title=Vande Bharat Express: Who emerged as the lowest bidder for manufacturing sleeper versions of India's semi-high-speed train? Details here |url=https://www.financialexpress.com/business/railways-vande-bharat-express-who-emerged-as-the-lowest-bidder-for-manufacturing-sleeper-versions-of-indias-semi-high-speed-train-details-here-2997485/ |access-date=1 December 2023 |work=[[The Financial Express (India)|The Financial Express]]}}</ref> As per the bid, the consortium would manufacture the trainsets in the Indian Railways facility at [[Latur]] and would maintain the sets for 35 years.<ref>{{cite news |last=Das |first=Arun Kumar |date=28 August 2023 |title=Russian Major TMH Deposits Rs 200 Crore As Bank Guarantee For Making 120 Vande Bharat Sleeper Trains In Partnership With RVNL |url=https://indiainfrahub.com/railways/russian-major-tmh-deposits-rs-200-crore-as-bank-guarantee-for-making-120-vande-bharat-sleeper-trains-in-partnership-with-rvnl/ |access-date=7 December 2023 |work=India Infra Hub }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |date=29 August 2023 |title=Plan for Vande Bharat sleeper trains on track as Russian rolling stock major deposits bank guarantee |work=[[The Times of India]] |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/business/india-business/plan-for-vande-bharat-sleeper-trains-on-track-as-russian-rolling-stock-major-deposits-bank-guarantee/articleshow/103151344.cms |access-date=7 December 2023 |issn=0971-8257}}</ref> A month later, the consortium of [[Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited]]-[[Titagarh Rail Systems]] (TRSL), who was the second lowest bidder, was awarded the contract for the manufacture of the remaining 80 trainsets at the same price as the lowest bid, with the commercial production of these trainsets set to begin in June 2025 at the TRSL plant in West Bengal.<ref>{{cite news |date=12 April 2023 |title=BHEL-led consortium bags order to supply 80 sleeper class Vande Bharat trains worth over Rs 9,600 crore |work=[[The Economic Times]] |url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/industry/transportation/railways/bhel-led-consortium-bags-order-to-supply-80-sleeper-class-vande-bharat-trains-worth-over-rs-9600-crore/articleshow/99416008.cms |access-date=1 December 2023 |issn=0013-0389}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |date=25 July 2023 |title=Vande Bharat sleeper train commercial production at TRSL's Bengal plant from June 2025 |work=[[The Economic Times]] |url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/industry/transportation/railways/vande-bharat-sleeper-train-commercial-production-at-trsls-bengal-plant-from-june-2025/articleshow/102107037.cms |access-date=1 December 2023 |issn=0013-0389}}</ref> In May 2023, [[Alstom]] was awarded a contract for the manufacturing and maintenance of 100 aluminium body trainsets, at a cost of {{INRconvert|1.509|b}} per trainset.<ref>{{cite news |date=31 May 2023 |title=French company Alstom to make 100 Vande Bharat trains with sleeper coaches |work=[[The Hindu]] |url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/french-rail-company-alstom-to-manufacture-100-lightweight-vande-bharat-trains/article66916460.ece |access-date=1 December 2023 |issn=0971-751X}}</ref> However, the Alstom contract was later cancelled after Indian Railways sought to reduce the per unit cost of the trainset to {{INRconvert|1.4|b}}.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/railways-cancels-30000-crore-vande-bharat-tender-as-negotiations-fail/article68520987.ece|title=Railways cancels ₹30,000 crore Vande Bharat tender as negotiations fail|date=24 August 2025|access-date=1 January 2026|work=[[The Hindu]]}}</ref>

In 2023, ICF–[[BEML]] were designated to manufacture the first ten Vande Bharat sleeper trainsets.<ref name="TOI">{{cite news |date=13 October 2023 |title=Vande Bharat sleeper trains to have a "wow" factor never seen before on Indian Railways; details here |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/business/india-business/vande-bharat-sleeper-new-train-interior-design-photos-features-indian-railways-icf-beml/articleshow/104386229.cms |access-date=7 December 2023 |work=[[The Times of India]] |issn=0971-8257}}</ref> The propulsion was to be supplied by the ICF, with the assembly of the train carried out at the BEML facility in [[Bengaluru]].<ref>{{cite web |date=3 October 2023 |title=Vande Bharat sleeper coach: Ashwini Vaishnaw shares new photos, rollout in 2024 |url=https://www.livemint.com/news/india/vande-bharat-sleeper-coach-ashwini-vaishnaw-shares-new-photos-rollout-in-2024-details-here-11696351713854.html |access-date=7 December 2023 |work=[[Live Mint]]}}</ref> In September 2024, the first prototype of the Vande Bharat sleeper trainset, was rolled out,<ref>{{cite news|date=1 September 2024|title='Best in the world': Railway minister Ashwini Vaishnav unveils Vande Bharat sleeper coach in Bengaluru|url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/cities/bengaluru-news/best-in-the-world-railway-minister-unveils-vande-bharat-sleeper-coach-in-bengaluru-101725176621433.html|access-date=2 September 2024|newspaper=[[The Hindustan Times]]|archive-date=1 September 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240901083801/https://www.hindustantimes.com/cities/bengaluru-news/best-in-the-world-railway-minister-unveils-vande-bharat-sleeper-coach-in-bengaluru-101725176621433.html|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |date=1 September 2024 |title=Union minister Ashwini Vaishnaw unveils prototype version of Vande Bharat sleeper coach |url=https://www.telegraphindia.com/india/union-minister-ashwini-vaishnaw-unveils-prototype-version-of-vande-bharat-sleeper-coach/cid/2045030 |access-date=1 September 2024 |work=[[The Telegraph (India)|The Telegraph]]}}</ref> with commercial services planned to start in 2025.<ref>{{cite news|date=29 August 2024|title=Vande Bharat sleeper coaches to be dispatched from Bengaluru's BEML soon|url=https://www.financialexpress.com/business/railways-vande-bharat-sleeper-coaches-to-be-dispatched-from-bengalurus-beml-soon-check-launch-date-latest-updates-here-3595589/|access-date=2 September 2024|newspaper=[[The Financial Express (India)|The Financial Express]]|archive-date=2 September 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240902010959/https://www.financialexpress.com/business/railways-vande-bharat-sleeper-coaches-to-be-dispatched-from-bengalurus-beml-soon-check-launch-date-latest-updates-here-3595589/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |date=4 February 2024 |title=Faster than Rajdhani, Vande Bharat sleeper trains to be rolled out by 2025 |url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/cities/delhi-news/faster-than-rajdhani-vande-bharat-sleeper-trains-to-be-rolled-out-by-2025-101706985877841.html |access-date=5 February 2024 |work=[[The Hindustan Times]]}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |date=1 September 2024 |title=Vande Bharat sleeper coach debuts, Railway Minister shares rollout timeline |url=https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/vande-bharat-sleeper-coaches-unveiled-features-amenities-rollout-dates-ashwini-vaishnaw-2591753-2024-09-01 |access-date=1 September 2024 |work=[[India Today]]}}</ref> In December 2025, the prototype reached speeds of {{cvt|180|kph}} during the trial runs conducted under the supervision of the [[Commission of Railway Safety]].<ref>{{cite news |title=Vande Bharat sleeper clocks 180 kmph, Ashwini Vaishnaw shares video of train’s water test |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/business/infrastructure/vande-bharat-sleeper-clocks-180-kmph-ashwini-vaishnaw-shares-video-of-trains-water-test-watch/articleshow/126254357.cms |work=[[The Times of India]] |date=December 2025 |access-date=31 December 2025}}</ref> On 17 January 2026, the first [[Vande Bharat Sleeper Express]] was inaugurated by [[Prime Minister of India|prime minister]] [[Narendra Modi]].<ref>{{cite news |last=Joshi |first=Mahima |date=17 January 2026 |url=https://www.news18.com/india/pm-modi-flags-off-indias-first-vande-bharat-sleeper-train-between-guwahati-and-howrah-9838298.html |title=PM Modi Flags Off India’s First Vande Bharat Sleeper Train Between Guwahati And Howrah |work=[[News 18]] |access-date=17 January 2026}}</ref> The third and fourth sets are planned to be rolled out by March 2026, with a planned delivery rate of one rake per month for the final six units, to be completed by August 2026.<ref name="ICF">{{cite news |date=16 February 2026 |title=Two more Vande Bharat Sleeper rakes to be ready by next month |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/bengaluru/two-more-vande-bharat-sleeper-rakes-to-be-ready-by-next-month/articleshow/128393425.cms |access-date=17 February 2026|work=[[The Times of India]] |issn=0971-8257}}</ref>

According to the ICF, it is also involved in the process of designing a trainset consisting of 24 coaches including a [[pantry car]], the production of which would be taken up after the delivery of the initial order of ten trainsets.<ref name="ICF"/>

== Design and engineering ==
The Vande Bharat sleeper trainset can operate at speeds up to {{cvt|160|kph}}, and has an aerodynamic design which helps in countering [[Drag (physics)#Aerodynamics|drag]] at higher speeds. It is equipped with driver cabins at both ends for quick turnaround of the train at terminal stations. Alternate coaches will have motor propulsion systems that enable acceleration and deceleration rates of {{cvt|0.7|-|0.8|m/s2}}.<ref name="Info">{{cite report |date=27 April 2022 |title=Specification and standards of Vande Bharat trains |url=https://indianrailways.gov.in/railwayboard/rb/tender/1651132598426_4_SpecificationsandStandardsforVandeBharatTrains_TrainsetspecMDspec39804-04-22.pdf |access-date=4 June 2023 |publisher=[[Indian Railways]]}}</ref> A standard Vande Bharat sleeper trainset consists of 16 coaches in a three [[Indian Railways coaching stock|class configuration]]. It has eleven AC three-tier coaches, four AC two-tier coaches, and one AC first-class coach, with a capacity to accommodate 611, 188, and 24 passengers respectively. The trainset, with a total carrying capacity of 887, with 823 reserved for the passengers including a few with disabled friendly features, and 34 designated for the onboard staff.<ref name="Info"/><ref name="NDTV">{{cite web |title=Vande Bharat Sleeper Trains: Features To Design, All You Need To Know |url=https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/vande-bharat-sleeper-trains-launch-by-march-2024-what-we-know-so-far-4449189 |access-date=7 December 2023 |work=[[NDTV]]}}</ref>

The coaches are fully air-conditioned and equipped with [[automatic door]]s, better [[coupling]] to reduce jerks, and improved [[soundproofing]]. The trainset features bunk beds with berths designed to be broader, and better cushioned relative to the existing services of the Indian Railways. They are equipped with reading lights and electric sockets. There are six [[pantry]] areas to cater to onboard catering.<ref name="TOI"/> The beds will be designed to be broader, comfortable and better cushioned relative to the existing services.<ref name="NDTV"/> The bio toilets are equipped with odour control systems, automatic taps, and anti-spill features. A hot shower facility will be exclusively available for passengers in the first AC class. The trainset also has sensor based lights, public announcement systems, and visual information systems.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/business/india-business/vande-bharat-sleeper-train-better-than-rajdhani-express-top-passenger-friendly-features-photos-facts/articleshow/106673575.cms|title=Exclusive: How Will Vande Bharat Sleeper Train Be Better Than The Rajdhani Express? Top Passenger-Friendly Features To Know|work=[[The Times of India]]|date=10 January 2024|access-date=1 June 2025}}</ref>

=== Rake formation ===
Each standard 16-car rake consists of four basic units of four coaches each. Each basic unit is composed of two Motor Coaches (MC/MC2) and Trailer Coaches (TC) or Non-Driving Trailer Coaches (NDTC). The trailer coaches at both ends are designated as [[Control car|Driving Trailer Coach]] (DTC), which accommodates the driver cabin.<ref name="Info"/>

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align: center; font-size: small;"
|+ Rake formation of 16 coach Vande Bharat sleeper trainset<ref name="Info"/>
!Position
|1
|2
|3
|4
|5
|6
|7
|8
|9
|10
|11
|12
|13
|14
|15
|16
|-
!Power Unit
| colspan="4" |Unit 1
| colspan="4" |Unit 2
| colspan="4" |Unit 3
| colspan="4" |Unit 4
|-
!Configuration
|DTC
|MC
|TC
|MC2
|MC
|TC
|MC2
|NDTC
|NDTC
|MC2
|TC
|MC
|MC2
|TC
|MC
|DTC
|-
!Class
| colspan="4" |3AC
| 2AC
| 3AC
| 2AC
| 1AC
| colspan="2" |2AC
| colspan="6" |3AC
|-
!Coach No.
| B1
| B2
| B3
| B4
| A1
| B5
| A2
| H1
| A3
| A4
| B6
| B7
| B8
| B9
| B10
| B11
|-
!Capacity
|28
|67
|55
|67
|48
|55
|48
|24
|44
|48
|55
|67
|67
|55
|67
|28
|}

== See also ==
* {{anl|Amrit Bharat (trainset)}}
* {{anl|Namo Bharat (trainset)}}
* {{anl|B28 trainset}}

==References==
{{Reflist}}

{{Indian Railways}}

[[Category:Express trains in India]]
[[Category:Electric multiple units of India]]
[[Category:Higher-speed rail]]
[[Category:Modi administration initiatives]]

Vande Bharat Sleeper (trainset) - Revision history

King42: added basic post from scratch - done