Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw announced on Tuesday that the much-anticipated Vande Bharat Sleeper trains will commence operations once the second train is ready for regular service, projected by October 15, 2025. This announcement signals a significant enhancement in Indian rail travel, offering a new experience for long-distance passengers.
The first Vande Bharat Sleeper train is already positioned at the Shakur Basti Coaching Depot in Delhi after completing intensive trials and testing. Vaishnaw emphasized the crucial role of the second train to ensure consistent service delivery. He stated, “Both the trains will be launched together.”
Factory production of the second Vande Bharat Sleeper train is currently underway, and its completion is pivotal for the subsequent launch of services. “That’s why we are waiting for the second rake,” he added, highlighting the railway ministry’s commitment to maintaining high operational standards.
Given the forthcoming electoral landscape in Bihar, speculation arises over the inaugural routes for these sleeper trains, with a keen focus on a connection between New Delhi and Patna. This route may serve strategic interests as Bihar prepares for elections later this year.
In conjunction with these developments, Vaishnaw, alongside Minister of State for Railways Ravneet Singh Bittu, provided updates on ongoing and future railway projects in Punjab. Among the highlighted projects is the 18-kilometre Rajpura-Mohali line, designed to streamline connectivity with Chandigarh, reducing travel distance significantly.
Railway officials anticipate that this new link will not only enhance direct travel between Rajpura and Mohali but also alleviate congestion on existing routes like Rajpura-Ambala.
Vaishnaw further remarked on plans for a new Vande Bharat train connecting New Delhi to Firozpur Cantonment. This service is expected to cover key stations, including Faridkot, Bhatinda (W), Dhuri, Patiala, Ambala Cantonment, Kurukshetra, and Panipat, in a journey spanning 486 kilometres in just approximately 6 hours and 40 minutes.
“I will request the Prime Minister to approve the Firozpur-Delhi Vande Bharat train,” Vaishnaw mentioned, showcasing the railway ministry’s ambition to broaden its high-speed network.
In their briefing, the officials presented nine notable railway projects commissioned after 2014, demonstrating extensive investment in railway infrastructure across the country. Projects range from the newly established Nangal Dam-Daulat Pur Chowk line to significant expansions in various regions, promising an extensive upgrade in connectivity.
Additionally, the ministers discussed seven more railway undertakings currently in progress. This includes major projects like the Nangal Dam-Talwara line, and the doubling of the Mansa-Bhatinda line, all aimed at enhancing the railway’s operational efficiency.
Vaishnaw also shed light on the Amrit Bharat station redevelopment scheme, under which 30 stations will undergo significant upgrades, enhancing overall passenger experience.
In a turn towards increasing service reliability, he shared that 29 railway divisions, including notable zones such as Malda and Trivandrum, have surpassed a punctuality mark of 90 percent. This commits the railways to achieving consistent timeliness, an essential factor for passengers.
The launch of Vande Bharat Sleeper trains anticipates a new chapter in comfortable rail travel, promising to cater to the burgeoning demand for efficient long-distance services. As India marches towards modernizing its railway infrastructure, the growth of such projects stands as a testament to the commitment to elevating passenger experience and connectivity.