ICF to build 24 coach Vande Bharat sleeper trainsets to meet rising passenger demand across long-distance overnight routes. Specifically, Indian Railways tasked Chennai’s Integral Coach Factory (ICF) with manufacturing 50 expanded 24-coach trainsets. Furthermore, the official rollout target is set for the first half of 2027, with June 2027 marked as the proposed manufacturing deadline.
Enhanced onboard facilities for long-distance overnight passenger travel
The new 24-coach configuration expands upon the initial 16-coach prototype design to accommodate higher passenger capacity. Consequently, the expanded version will feature a dedicated pantry car to support hot onboard meal services during overnight journeys.
Additionally, engineers are increasing the total number of bio-vacuum toilets across coaches, including wheelchair-accessible facilities with baby-care stations. Meanwhile, First AC coaches will offer hot water shower amenities for long-distance travelers.
| Vande Bharat Sleeper Parameter | Manufacturing & Technical Specifications |
| Manufacturing Facility | Integral Coach Factory (ICF), Chennai |
| Sanctioned Fleet Volume | 50 trainsets (24-coach configuration) |
| Targeted Rollout Deadline | First half of 2027 (June 2027 proposed target) |
| Operating & Testing Speeds | Designed for 160 km/h operation (180 km/h testing speed) |
| New Infrastructure Additions | Dedicated pantry car, increased toilets, and improved interiors |
| Safety & Energy Systems | KAVACH anti-collision system and regenerative braking |
Fleet production pipeline and high-speed trial milestones
To deploy over 200 sleeper trains nationwide, Indian Railways engaged multiple manufacturing consortiums. Specifically, BEML is producing 10 trainsets, Kinet holds 120 trainsets, and the Titagarh-BHEL consortium will manufacture 80 units.
Meanwhile, a 16-coach Vande Bharat Chair Car completed a 180 km/h trial on the Mathura–Nagda section on October 8, 2026.
