India’s next-generation rail upgrade is moving forward as the Vande Bharat Sleeper train project achieves a key milestone. Kinet Railway Solutions, an Indo-Russian joint venture, has successfully completed the first fully integrated car body for the upcoming sleeper version of the Vande Bharat trainset.
The development marks significant progress in India’s push toward modern, high-speed, long-distance rail travel with enhanced passenger comfort.
First Car Body Completed at Latur Facility
Kinet Railway Solutions confirmed that the first coach body has been manufactured at its Latur facility in Maharashtra. This milestone demonstrates the project’s steady advancement from design to production.
The joint venture brings together Russian rolling stock manufacturer Transmashholding (TMH) and Rail Vikas Nigam Limited (RVNL). Together, they are responsible for manufacturing and maintaining 120 Vande Bharat Sleeper trains, totaling 1,920 coaches, for Indian Railways.
Prototype Expected by June 2026
According to Rail Vikas Nigam Limited, the first prototype of the Vande Bharat Sleeper train is targeted for rollout by June 2026. Senior leadership has indicated that work is progressing on schedule, with manufacturing and integration phases advancing smoothly.
Once completed, the prototype will undergo testing and validation before entering commercial service.
What Makes Vande Bharat Sleeper Different
Unlike the existing Vande Bharat Express trains, which are chair-car based for short to medium distances, the sleeper version is designed for overnight and long-distance travel. Key expected features include:
- Sleeper berths for enhanced comfort on long journeys
- Modern interiors with improved ergonomics
- Advanced safety systems
- Higher speed capability compared to conventional sleeper trains
- Reduced travel time on major routes
This upgrade is expected to transform long-distance rail travel in India by combining speed with comfort.
Multi-Company Manufacturing Initiative
The Ministry of Railways has awarded contracts to three companies for the Vande Bharat Sleeper project, ensuring faster production and deployment. This multi-vendor approach is aimed at scaling manufacturing capacity while maintaining quality standards.
Kinet Railway Solutions is one of the key players in this initiative, particularly due to its international collaboration and technical expertise.
Boost to Make in India and Rail Modernization
The project aligns with India’s broader goals of rail modernization and self-reliance in manufacturing. Producing these advanced trainsets domestically not only reduces dependency on imports but also strengthens the country’s engineering and infrastructure capabilities.
The Latur facility’s progress reflects growing industrial capacity in tier-2 cities, contributing to regional economic development as well.
What’s Next
With the first car body completed, the focus now shifts to assembling the full prototype and conducting rigorous trials. If timelines hold, passengers can expect to see Vande Bharat Sleeper trains entering service shortly after successful testing phases.
The rollout is anticipated to redefine long-distance rail travel standards, offering a faster, safer, and more comfortable alternative to traditional sleeper trains.