Indian Railways, the lifeline of the nation that transports millions daily, is undergoing a massive transformation with several revolutionary train projects set to launch between 2026 and 2027. While the chair car Vande Bharat Express has already changed daytime travel, the focus has now shifted to overnight journeys and making train travel more comfortable for every segment of passengers.
Vande Bharat Sleeper: The Game Changer for Long-Distance Travel
The much-anticipated Vande Bharat sleeper trains promise to offer an experience more premium than the iconic Rajdhani Express. Over 200 Vande Bharat sleeper trains are expected to be rolled out in the coming years, with manufacturing being handled by multiple entities including BEML, Indo-Russian joint venture Kinet, and the Titagarh-BHEL consortium.
Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw has confirmed that despite some delays in prototype development, the Vande Bharat sleeper trains are expected to launch in December 2024. Integral Coach Factory (ICF) GM U Subba Rao provided detailed insights into the project's progress, noting that BEML has already manufactured two prototype rakes with improvements based on initial feedback.
Premium Features of Vande Bharat Sleeper
The first prototype features 16 passenger coaches with a mix of AC 3-tier, AC 2-tier, and AC First class accommodations. This semi-high speed train can operate at 160 kmph with testing capabilities reaching 180 kmph.
Passengers can look forward to numerous premium amenities including:
- Cushioned berths inspired by European trains with redesigned upper berth access
- Special night lights and integrated announcement systems with visual displays
- Modern bio-vacuum toilets similar to aircraft facilities
- Shower facilities with hot water in AC First class
- Indigenous KAVACH anti-collision system and regenerative braking technology
- Automatic interconnecting doors and sealed gangways for better air quality
- Individual reading lights, charging points, and refreshment tables in each coach
ICF is also developing its own 24-car variant of the Vande Bharat sleeper, which would be one of the longest sleeper trains produced in India. This version will include additional toilets and a pantry car for heated food service, with the prototype targeted for December 2026.
Amrit Bharat Express: Modern Travel for the Common Man
While premium options develop, Indian Railways hasn't forgotten the common passenger. The Amrit Bharat Express, first launched in late 2023, continues to evolve with better comforts in newer versions. ICF is currently rolling out Amrit Bharat 2.0 trains and working on an Amrit Bharat 3.0 variant with AC coaches.
U Subba Rao confirmed that there's an order for 100 Amrit Bharat trains, with ICF producing 50 and the remaining 50 being manufactured by RCF. Current production stands at two rakes per month.
The Amrit Bharat Express features push-pull technology enabling faster acceleration and deceleration, with a maximum speed of 130 kmph. Key passenger amenities include:
- Foldable snack tables and improved seats with mobile holders
- Air spring suspension bogies for smoother rides
- Public Address & Passenger Information System (PAPIS)
- Advanced toilet facilities with electro-pneumatic pressurized flushing
- Aerosol-based fire suppression systems
- Mobile charging sockets for every passenger
The AC version, Amrit Bharat 3.0, is expected to launch its first prototype by March 2026, offering features comparable to Rajdhani Express but with significant improvements.
NaMo Bharat, Hydrogen & Indigenous Bullet Trains
Indian Railways' transformation extends beyond conventional trains. The NaMo Bharat trains, already operational on some routes, serve as metro-style variants of Vande Bharat Express capable of 130 kmph speeds. These fully air-conditioned trains feature modern amenities like centrally controlled automatic doors, regenerative braking systems, and passenger information displays.
In a significant technological leap, Indian Railways has manufactured its first hydrogen-cell powered train, scheduled to run on the Jind-Sonipat route in Haryana. This technology demonstrator can reach speeds up to 110 kmph and represents India's growing capability in alternative energy transportation.
Most ambitiously, India is developing its own indigenous bullet train through a collaboration between BEML and ICF. The project involves manufacturing two high-speed train sets specifically designed for Indian conditions. According to Subba Rao, tropicalization is a key focus area, with emphasis on robust air conditioning systems and superior air filtration to handle India's dusty environment.
The first indigenous bullet train is expected to be operational by early 2027, with preliminary designs already completed and component procurement underway.
The Future of Indian Rail Travel
With multiple projects running simultaneously, Indian Railways is poised to offer passengers unprecedented choice and comfort. From premium overnight travel on Vande Bharat sleeper trains to affordable modern options like Amrit Bharat Express, and from sustainable hydrogen trains to high-speed bullet trains, the Indian rail network is undergoing its most significant transformation since independence.
These developments, scheduled to roll out between 2024 and 2027, promise to make train travel faster, safer, and more comfortable for millions of Indians while showcasing the country's growing engineering and manufacturing capabilities on the global stage.
