Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw has announced that Vande Bharat Sleeper trains will be introduced across all Indian states, including Kerala, marking a significant push to modernize long-distance passenger services. This initiative aims to extend the Vande Bharat program beyond its current chair-car services to provide a premium experience for overnight travel. The first Vande Bharat Sleeper train service is scheduled to operate between Howrah (Kolkata) and Guwahati, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi expected to flag it off in the second half of January 2026. This inaugural route will significantly enhance rail connectivity between Eastern India and the Northeast. These sleeper variants are specifically designed for journeys spanning approximately 1,200 to 1,500 kilometers, prioritizing both speed and passenger comfort. Each trainset will comprise 16 fully air-conditioned coaches, including 11 AC 3-tier, 4 AC 2-tier, and one AC First Class, collectively accommodating around 823 passengers. Currently, ten Vande Bharat Sleeper trains are under production, with plans for an additional 50 rakes to be manufactured at the Integral Coach Factory (ICF) in Chennai. Contracts for a total of 200 Vande Bharat Sleeper rakes have been awarded to various technology partners, with Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited (BHEL) also commencing the supply of traction converters for the project. By the end of 2026, Indian Railways plans to introduce 10 more Vande Bharat Sleeper trains, bringing the total to 12. Production is anticipated to ramp up rapidly from 2027 as the entire supply chain becomes fully established. The trains are equipped with advanced features such as ergonomically designed berths, automatic doors, a KAVACH Automatic Train Protection (ATP) system, disinfectant technology, and improved soundproofing for a comfortable ride.