Indian Railways is preparing to expand its premium Vande Bharat Sleeper train services across nine major routes from August, marking a significant upgrade in long-distance night travel. The initiative aims to make overnight journeys faster, safer, and more comfortable, with airline-style interiors, enhanced passenger amenities, and advanced security systems, including round-the-clock CCTV surveillance.
According to railway sources, the first Vande Bharat Sleeper service was already launched in January 2026 between Howrah and Guwahati, receiving strong passenger response. Encouraged by this success, the railways is now planning to introduce the service on key high-demand corridors such as Delhi–Mumbai, Delhi–Howrah, Delhi–Chennai, Delhi–Ahmedabad, Delhi–Secunderabad, Delhi–Pune, Mumbai–Bengaluru, Mumbai–Ahmedabad, and Delhi–Srinagar, alongside efforts to upgrade rail infrastructure for higher speeds.
The new sleeper trains are designed to offer a premium, aircraft-like travel experience with modern interiors, improved lighting, spacious berths, and upgraded washrooms. They will also feature real-time information systems and enhanced boarding facilities, aiming to significantly improve passenger convenience on long overnight routes.
Officials claim that the Vande Bharat Sleeper will be faster than existing premium trains like the Rajdhani Express, especially on routes such as Delhi–Secunderabad, where it is expected to cut travel time substantially. The service is expected to provide a much-needed alternative for night travellers who often face long waiting lists on traditional premium trains, particularly in southern and western corridors.
