Vande Bharat Sleeper Routes are set to redefine overnight rail travel in India as Indian Railways prepares to expand its semi high speed sleeper network across key corridors. Following the launch of the first sleeper service, railway planners have outlined multiple long distance routes that will be introduced in phases through 2026.
The expansion of Vande Bharat Sleeper Routes is part of a broader strategy to modernize long haul travel while reducing journey time and improving passenger comfort.
- Indian Railways plans to expand sleeper train services through multiple Vande Bharat Sleeper routes by 2026.
- The first operational sleeper service runs on the Howrah to Guwahati corridor.
- Planned routes include major corridors across North, South, East, and West India.
- Each train will offer 1AC, 2AC, and 3AC classes with no RAC or waiting list facility.
- The rollout will occur in phases based on infrastructure readiness and demand.
Image credits: Indian Railways official media, Wikimedia Commons
Why India Is Introducing Sleeper Vande Bharat Trains
Indian Railways has identified overnight journeys as the next frontier for semi high speed rail. Traditional overnight trains often face delays and aging infrastructure. The sleeper variant of Vande Bharat addresses these challenges through modern coaches, improved safety systems, and faster turnaround times.
Railway officials have confirmed that Vande Bharat Sleeper Routes are designed for distances where overnight travel remains more practical than flights. These routes typically range between 800 and 1500 kilometers.
Image credits: Press Information Bureau India, Wikimedia Commons
First Operational Sleeper Route in India
The Howrah to Guwahati corridor via Kamakhya is the first operational example showcasing the future of sleeper travel. This route was chosen due to high passenger demand and long overnight duration.
The success of this service has encouraged Indian Railways to accelerate plans for additional Vande Bharat Sleeper Routes across multiple zones.
Image credits: Indian Railways Eastern Railway zone, Wikimedia Commons
Planned Vande Bharat Sleeper Routes in North India
Northern India is expected to receive multiple sleeper corridors connecting major metros with pilgrimage and business centers. Routes under planning include Delhi to Mumbai, Delhi to Howrah, and Delhi to Chennai.
These corridors are part of the priority list as they carry heavy passenger loads throughout the year. Vande Bharat Sleeper Routes in North India are expected to replace several aging premium trains.
Image credits: Indian Railways Northern zone, Wikimedia Commons
Proposed Routes in Western India
Western India will see sleeper services connecting Mumbai with Ahmedabad, Jaipur, and Bengaluru. The Mumbai to Ahmedabad corridor is considered a pilot route for testing high frequency overnight operations.
Railway planners have stated that Vande Bharat Sleeper Routes in this region will cater to business travelers seeking overnight connectivity without air travel.
Image credits: Western Railway India, Wikimedia Commons
Southern India Sleeper Network Expansion
Southern India is expected to witness one of the largest rollouts. Routes linking Chennai, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, and Thiruvananthapuram are under evaluation.
Due to long travel times and high intercity movement, Vande Bharat Sleeper Routes in the south are expected to gain strong passenger adoption once launched.
Image credits: Southern Railway India, Wikimedia Commons
Eastern India and Northeast Connectivity
Eastern India and the Northeast remain critical focus areas. Apart from the operational Howrah to Guwahati service, additional routes connecting Kolkata with Patna, Ranchi, and Siliguri are being assessed.
These Vande Bharat Sleeper Routes aim to improve accessibility in regions where overnight rail travel remains essential.
Image credits: Eastern Railway India, Wikimedia Commons
Tentative List of Vande Bharat Sleeper Routes Planned by 2026
Indian Railways has indicated the following corridors under various stages of planning and feasibility assessment.
Delhi to Mumbai
Delhi to Howrah
Delhi to Chennai
Mumbai to Ahmedabad
Mumbai to Bengaluru
Chennai to Bengaluru
Chennai to Hyderabad
Howrah to Guwahati
Kolkata to Patna
Bengaluru to Thiruvananthapuram
This list may evolve as infrastructure readiness and rake availability improve. Vande Bharat Sleeper Routes will be introduced in phases rather than all at once.
Image credits: Indian Railways planning documents, Wikimedia Commons
Coach Configuration and Passenger Classes
Each sleeper train is expected to feature 1AC, 2AC, and 3AC classes with modern berths and enhanced privacy. Unlike traditional trains, there will be no unreserved or RAC accommodation.
This configuration ensures that Vande Bharat Sleeper Routes maintain premium service standards across all corridors.
Image credits: Indian Railways design previews, Wikimedia Commons
Timeline and Phased Rollout Plan
Railway officials have indicated that production of sleeper rakes is underway. Initial services will be limited in number, followed by gradual expansion based on performance metrics.
By the end of 2026, multiple Vande Bharat Sleeper Routes are expected to be operational across at least five railway zones.
Image credits: Integral Coach Factory Chennai, Wikimedia Commons
What This Means for Overnight Rail Travel
The introduction of sleeper variants marks a structural shift in Indian Railways travel planning. Faster overnight journeys with predictable schedules are expected to draw passengers away from short haul flights.
As Vande Bharat Sleeper Routes expand, the traditional definition of premium overnight trains in India is likely to change.
Image credits: Indian Railways concept visuals, Wikimedia Commons
Conclusion
The planned expansion of sleeper services highlights Indian Railways commitment to modern long distance travel. With multiple corridors under development, Vande Bharat Sleeper Routes are poised to become a backbone of overnight intercity connectivity.
As more routes are confirmed and launched, passengers can expect faster journeys, improved comfort, and a more reliable overnight travel experience across India.
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