Key Highlights
- Railway Board identifies multiple furnishing and workmanship problems including sharp edges at berthing areas and window curtain handles requiring immediate corrective action
- RDSO submitted updated compliance report on September 1, 2025, while Ministry directed all zones to ensure operations up to maximum 160 kmph speed
- Indian Railways currently operates 156 operational Vande Bharat trains with 102.01% occupancy rate, while sleeper version launch timeline remains uncertain
Initial Context
The highly anticipated Vande Bharat sleeper trains have encountered significant delays due to critical design and manufacturing issues that demand immediate resolution before commercial operations can commence. The Railway Board’s recent letter to the Research Designs and Standards Organisation (RDSO) and General Managers across all railway zones has highlighted substantial concerns about furnishing quality and workmanship standards that could compromise passenger safety and comfort.
These Vande Bharat sleeper trains represent a transformative leap in India’s overnight rail travel infrastructure, designed to operate at speeds up to 160 kmph while delivering premium passenger experiences comparable to international standards. The delays underscore the meticulous safety certification process that all newly-designed trains must undergo through the Chief Commissioner of Railway Safety (CCRS) before receiving final operational approval from the Railway Ministry.
Design and Quality Control Issues
The Railway Board’s comprehensive assessment has revealed multiple technical deficiencies that require immediate rectification across current and future Vande Bharat sleeper trains production. The primary concerns include sharp edges and corners in berthing areas that pose potential safety hazards to passengers during movement within coaches. Window curtain handles have been identified as problematic due to poor installation and positioning that could lead to operational difficulties and maintenance challenges.
- Berthing Area Problems: Sharp edges and corners creating safety hazards during passenger movement
- Window Hardware Issues: Poorly designed and installed curtain handles affecting functionality and passenger comfort
The presence of “pigeon pockets” between berth connectors has emerged as a significant cleaning and maintenance concern that could compromise hygiene standards expected in premium rail services. These design flaws necessitate comprehensive corrective measures in existing rakes while demanding improved designs for future Vande Bharat sleeper trains production to prevent recurring issues. The Railway Ministry has mandated strict adherence to all RDSO-specified conditions for operations up to maximum speeds of 160 kmph, ensuring that no compromises are made on safety or operational standards.
Safety Certification and Approval Process
The complex safety certification process for Vande Bharat sleeper trains involves multiple regulatory checkpoints designed to ensure comprehensive compliance with Indian Railways safety standards. The Research Designs and Standards Organisation (RDSO) plays a crucial role in conducting final approvals from the Chief Commissioner of Railway Safety (CCRS) for all newly-designed trains before forwarding recommendations to the Railway Ministry. The CCRS conducts extensive trials and conveys detailed observations to RDSO for mandatory compliance, with the Vande Bharat sleeper trains receiving updated compliance documentation on September 1, 2025.
- RDSO Certification: Final technical approval process ensuring compliance with safety standards
- CCRS Evaluation: Comprehensive trial runs and safety assessments at maximum operational speeds
This rigorous evaluation framework includes mandatory fire safety measures, installation of Kavach 4.0 collision avoidance systems, and reliable communication networks connecting loco pilots, train managers, and adjacent station masters. The certification process also requires proper maintenance protocols for all brake systems and specialized training for loco pilots to uncouple semi-permanent couplers within 15 minutes during emergency situations. Railway zones must deploy qualified technical staff with adequate spare parts inventory to handle mid-journey breakdowns or emergency maintenance requirements for Vande Bharat sleeper trains operations.
Production Status and Manufacturing Timeline
The Integral Coach Factory (ICF) Chennai has successfully completed manufacturing of India’s first 16-car Vande Bharat sleeper trains prototype, with BEML contributing to the production through technology partnership arrangements. The second rake arrived at ICF Chennai in October 2025, featuring significant improvements to toilet facilities and berth comfort based on feedback from the initial prototype trials. Current production plans include ten Vande Bharat sleeper trains being manufactured by BEML, with eight additional units expected completion by the end of the 2025-26 financial year.
- Current Production: Ten trains by BEML with eight additional units planned for 2025-26
- Future Expansion: 50 additional 24-coach trainsets ordered with full-scale production commencing in 2026-27
The Railway Ministry has placed substantial orders for propulsion electrics covering 50 rakes of 24-car Vande Bharat sleeper trains, distributed between Medha (33 rakes) and Alstom (17 rakes) with expected delivery within two years. Full-scale production of 24-car Vande Bharat sleeper trains is scheduled to commence in 2026-27, representing a significant expansion in India’s semi-high-speed rail manufacturing capabilities. The production timeline reflects careful scaling to ensure quality control while meeting growing demand for premium overnight rail services across major corridors including Delhi-Howrah and Delhi-Mumbai routes.
Operational Features and Technical Specifications
The Vande Bharat sleeper trains incorporate advanced amenities designed to revolutionize overnight rail travel through aircraft-like interiors, automatic doors, and comprehensive passenger comfort features. The 16-car configuration accommodates 823 passengers across First AC, AC 2-Tier, and AC 3-Tier classes, offering substantial capacity improvements over conventional sleeper services. Onboard WiFi connectivity, individual charging points, ultra-comfortable berths, and advanced climate control systems ensure passenger satisfaction during extended journeys.
The trains feature maximum operational speeds of 180 kmph with initial service speeds of 160 kmph, significantly reducing travel times compared to existing Rajdhani and conventional express services. Advanced safety features include Kavach 4.0 anti-collision systems, comprehensive fire safety protocols, and reliable communication networks ensuring operational safety at high speeds. Temperature control systems maintain optimal cabin conditions considering ambient weather and frequent door operations, while multilingual passenger safety announcements in regional languages, Hindi, and English enhance passenger awareness.
Final Perspective
The Vande Bharat sleeper trains delays represent necessary quality assurance measures that prioritize passenger safety and operational excellence over rushed deployment timelines. While these postponements may disappoint eager passengers, the comprehensive approach to addressing furnishing, workmanship, and safety concerns demonstrates Indian Railways’ commitment to delivering world-class rail services. The ongoing certification process, combined with continuous improvements in subsequent rakes, positions Vande Bharat sleeper trains to set new benchmarks in overnight rail travel once commercial operations begin. The robust production pipeline and expanding manufacturing capabilities indicate that Vande Bharat sleeper trains will eventually transform India’s long-distance rail connectivity while maintaining the highest safety and comfort standards.
