Vande Bharat sleeper: Indian Railways plans 24-coach variant with pantry car by 2027

What is the new Vande Bharat sleeper plan?

Indian Railways is accelerating its modern rail infrastructure expansion with plans to roll out a 24-coach variant of the flagship Vande Bharat sleeper train. The Integral Coach Factory (ICF) in Chennai has been tasked with manufacturing 50 of these expanded 24-coach trainsets, engineered specifically to accommodate high passenger demand on long-distance overnight journeys.

The new design marks a significant upgrade over the existing 16-coach sleeper trainsets. Detailed design work for the 24-coach version is expected to be completed within a month, with Indian Railways targeting an operational rollout in the first half of 2027, aimed specifically for June 2027.

Upgraded amenities and onboard pantry

The 24-coach Vande Bharat sleeper will introduce several key features aimed at elevating long-distance travel comfort. Chief among these is an onboard pantry car—a facility not present in current 16-coach designs—enabling hot food to be prepared, heated, and served to passengers throughout their journey.

In addition to the pantry car, ICF is increasing the number of toilets across the 24-car rake and refining the interior layout. The trainsets will maintain high amenity standards, including aircraft-style bio-vacuum toilets, hot water shower facilities in First AC coaches, baby-care stations, and ergonomically designed cushioned berths inspired by European train systems.

Indigenous tech and high-speed fleet expansion

The 24-coach variant is part of a broader national initiative to introduce more than 200 Vande Bharat sleeper trains across the country. Capable of operating at 160 km/h with a testing speed of 180 km/h, the semi-high-speed trainsets highlight the growth of domestic railway manufacturing.

For passenger safety and energy efficiency, the trainsets come equipped with the indigenous KAVACH anti-collision system, regenerative braking, automatic interconnecting doors, fully sealed gangways, and a Centralised Coach Monitoring System. Each coach also features modular pantry units, individual reading lights, charging outlets, visual announcement displays, and emergency driver communication units.

While ICF works on its 50-unit run of the 24-coach sleeper train, production across the wider Vande Bharat sleeper programme is distributed among key partners: BEML with ICF support is building 10 trainsets, Indo-Russian joint venture Kinet is tasked with 120, and a consortium of Titagarh and BHEL will produce 80.