The much-anticipated launch of the Vande Bharat Sleeper Train has hit a roadblock. Originally scheduled to debut in October, the rollout has now been postponed after the Ministry of Railways flagged several safety and quality concerns during inspection.
What’s Causing the Delay?
According to officials, the first 16-coach Vande Bharat Sleeper Train, designed for long-distance overnight journeys, did not meet certain interior and safety standards.
The Railway Board, in communication with the Research Designs and Standards Organisation (RDSO) and zonal general managers, identified multiple issues and directed corrections to be made before any passenger service begins.
These include:
- Sharp edges and corners around berth areas
- Poorly designed curtain handles on windows
- “Pigeon pockets” between berth connectors that could make cleaning difficult
The Railway Board has also instructed that these problems be fixed not only in the current rake but also in all future Vande Bharat Sleeper trains to prevent similar issues.
Focus on Safety and Technology
Every Vande Bharat Sleeper will operate under RDSO’s safety standards for trains running at speeds of up to 160 km/h.
The Ministry has also underlined strict compliance with:
- Fire-safety norms
- Installation of Kavach 4.0, India’s indigenous anti-collision system
- Reliable communication links between loco pilots, train managers, and station masters
- Regular brake system maintenance
Additionally, regional railway divisions have been told to:
- Train drivers to separate the train’s semi-permanent couplers within 15 minutes during emergencies
- Ensure that all tools and safety kits for drivers and guards are readily available
Passenger Comfort and Onboard Guidelines
The Railway Board has issued new comfort and operational guidelines for the Vande Bharat Sleeper:
- Temperature inside the coaches must be maintained at comfortable levels for passengers.
- Before departure, staff must announce via PA system for all non-passengers to disembark.
- During the journey, pre-recorded safety messages will be played in three languages — the regional language, Hindi, and English.
- Railway zones have been directed to deploy skilled maintenance staff and ensure adequate spare parts and consumables are available for upkeep.
A New Era of Sleeper Travel
The Vande Bharat Sleeper is the next evolution of India’s semi-high-speed train line. Unlike the existing Vande Bharat Express (which offers only chair cars for short to medium routes), the sleeper variant is meant for long-distance overnight journeys with berths for sleeping.
These trains aim to deliver a premium experience, rivalling even the Rajdhani Express, with modern interiors, better comfort, and faster travel times.
The first ten trainsets are currently being manufactured by Bharat Earth Movers Limited (BEML) in collaboration with Integral Coach Factory (ICF), Chennai.
Bottom Line
While the delay is a setback, the Railways say it’s necessary to ensure top-notch safety and comfort before passengers step aboard. Once all fixes are completed, India’s most awaited luxury sleeper train could soon be ready to roll — marking a major milestone in Indian rail travel.
Disclaimer:
This article is based on official communications and ministry reports. All facts are accurate as of November 4, 2025.
