RVNL Unveils Mega Plan for Vande Bharat Sleeper Trains, Aiming for Prototype Testing Within a Year The Rail Vikas Nigam Limited (RVNL) has announced a significant initiative to develop the Vande Bharat Sleeper train, a new variant of India’s high-speed rail network. The project, spearheaded by the Railway Board’s CEO Satish Kumar, involves a joint venture (JV) between RVNL and other stakeholders. Kumar revealed that the prototype for the Vande Bharat Sleeper is expected to be ready for testing within a year, marking a critical step in expanding India’s modern rail infrastructure. The initiative is part of a broader effort to accelerate the rollout of Vande Bharat trains across the country. RVNL, a key public sector enterprise under the Ministry of Railways, has positioned this project as one of its most important undertakings. During its 21st establishment day celebrations, Kumar emphasized the strategic importance of the Vande Bharat Sleeper, highlighting its potential to enhance passenger comfort and operational efficiency. A major milestone in the project is the commitment to supply 120 Vande Bharat Sleeper trains once the prototype undergoes successful trials. However, the timeline for completing the prototype remains uncertain. While Kumar did not specify a definitive deadline, RVNL’s CMD Salim Ahmed previously suggested the prototype could be unveiled by June 2026. Industry officials, however, note that delays are possible, with some estimates pushing the timeline to early 2027. The Vande Bharat Sleeper project builds on the success of the existing Vande Bharat Express, which was launched in January 2026. Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the first sleeper variant of the train between Kamarhati and Howrah, signaling the government’s push to modernize rail travel.#narendra_modi #rail_vikas_nigam_limited #satish_kumar #salim_ahmed #rvnl
