The Vande Bharat Sleeper train recently underwent a high-speed trial of the Kavach safety system on the Hazrat Nizamuddin-Palwal route, where it clocked 160 kmphHere are the key features that set the semi-high-speed sleeper train apart.
Published: September 13, 2026, 8:25 PM IST
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The train reportedly completed the nearly 50-km journey from Hazrat Nizamuddin to PalwalRepresentational Image
A 16-coach Vande Bharat sleeper train successfully underwent a high-speed trial of the indigenous Kavach automatic train protection system on the Hazrat Nizamuddin-Palwal routeThe train was tested at an operational speed of up to 160 kmph, Navbharat Times reported.
Northern Railway conducted the trial on Sunday to assess the system’s performance at high speeds while avoiding disruption to daily train servicesOfficials said the trial was successful and communication between the loco pilot and the station worked properly.
16-coach Vande Bharat clears high-speed trial using Kavach
The train reportedly completed the nearly 50-km journey from Hazrat Nizamuddin to Palwal in roughly 40 minutesIt departed at around 1.38 pm, arrived in Palwal at 2.21 pm, and returned to Delhi at 3.32 pmThe train could not run at 160 kmph throughout the stretch; however, due to ongoing work on the Faridabad main lineIt used a loop line instead, with its speed reduced near Faridabad station.
What makes Vande Bharat Sleeper special? Features, speed, route and more
The Vande Bharat Sleeper is designed as a semi-high-speed trainIt is a fully air-conditioned train for travelling long-distance and overnight journeysThe standard train has 16 coaches, including 11 AC three-tier coaches, four AC two-tier coaches and one First AC coachIt comes with a total capacity of 823 passengers.
The train has a design speed of 180 kmph and can go up to 160 kmph, subject to the speed limits and infrastructure of the route, according to a release shared by the Press Information Bureau.
The sleeper train is equipped with premium features to improve the travelling experience of passengersIt has similar features to the standard Vande Bharat Chair Car but has a host of added facilities such as automatic doors, better berths, charging points, reading lights and modern passenger information systemsThe First AC coach of the sleeper train also offers shower facilitiesBEML, which manufactures the trainsets, said the Vande Bharat Sleeper has been designed and manufactured in India to provide a faster and more comfortable journey for long-distance travel.
The first Vande Bharat Sleeper service began commercial operations in January 2026 on the Howrah-Kamakhya route.
Vande Bharat Sleeper train expansion
Indian Railways plans to expand the Vande Bharat Sleeper fleet by deploying the trains on additional long-distance routesBEML is developing and supplying 10 trainsets, while further units are reportedly in the pipeline from other manufacturers and production facilities.
A Vande Bharat Sleeper service between KSR Bengaluru and Mumbai’s Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus has been approvedHowever, further details, such as the schedule and fares, are to be announced, the Free Press Journal reported.
BEML has reportedly secured an additional order worth about Rs 180.60 crore from Integral Coach Factory in September 2026 for manufacturing and supplying Vande Bharat Sleeper trainsets.
