By CHENNAI — Following the successful launch of the first Vande Bharat Sleeper earlier this month, Indian Railways is already dreaming bigger. The Integral Coach Factory (ICF) in Chennai has officially been tasked with manufacturing 50 new mega rakes of the Vande Bharat Sleeper. These new trains will feature a massive 24-coach configuration, a significant upgrade from the current 16-coach models.
The decision to expand the train’s size comes as a response to the overwhelming demand for high-speed, long-distance travel across India. By adding eight more coaches to each train, the railway aims to carry more passengers without needing to add extra trains to already busy tracks.
More Seats, More Comfort
The current 16-coach Vande Bharat Sleeper, which began its journey on the Delhi–Mumbai and Delhi–Srinagar routes, can carry around 823 passengers. However, the new 24-coach version is designed to be a capacity king.
Once completed, these longer trains will be able to carry approximately 1,224 passengers per trip. This jump in capacity is vital for India’s busiest routes, where tickets often sell out weeks in advance. Despite the extra length, the train will maintain its sleek, aerodynamic nose and its ability to travel at speeds of up to 160 km/h, ensuring that more people get to their destinations faster.
What’s Inside the New 24-Coach Rake?
The 24-coach layout isn’t just about adding more of the same. The railway has planned a balanced mix of classes to suit different budgets:
- AC 3-Tier: The majority of the coaches will be 3-tier to keep travel affordable for families and regular commuters.
- AC 2-Tier and 1st Class: For those looking for extra privacy and luxury, several coaches will be dedicated to these premium tiers.
- Full Pantry Car: Because these trains are designed for journeys lasting 15 to 25 hours, a full-sized pantry car will be included to provide fresh, hot meals to passengers right at their berths.
The interiors will continue to feature the best-in-class amenities that the Vande Bharat brand is known for, such as sensor-based inter-coach doors, modern toilets with touch-free fittings, and specialized berths designed to reduce the “jerks” felt during acceleration.
A Massive Boost for “Make in India”
Building 50 of these massive trains is a huge undertaking for ICF Chennai. This project is a centerpiece of the “Make in India” initiative, showcasing that India can design and build world-class technology at home. Manufacturing 24-coach sets is technically more challenging than the standard 16-coach version. It requires more powerful “distributed power” systems, meaning the motors are spread out under several coaches to ensure the long train can start and stop smoothly. ICF engineers are currently working on the prototype for this extended version, with the first 24-coach rake expected to undergo trials by late 2026.
The Road Ahead
The goal is clear: to replace aging Rajdhani and Duronto trains with these faster, more modern Vande Bharat Sleepers. By choosing a 24-coach design, the government is preparing for the future of Indian travel—where speed, safety, and high capacity must work together.
As these 50 new rakes start rolling out of the factory over the next few years, the dream of a “Gold Standard” rail journey will become a reality for millions more Indians every year.
Indian Railways has tasked Integral Coach Factory (ICF), Chennai, with manufacturing 50 new 24-coach Vande Bharat Sleeper trains. The upgraded configuration will increase passenger capacity from 823 to around 1,224 per rake while maintaining speeds up to 160 km/h. Designed to replace aging long-distance trains, the expanded sleeper version will feature multiple AC classes, a full pantry car, and advanced onboard amenities.
