Indian Railways is preparing for a major expansion of its Vande Bharat Sleeper train network, with plans to manufacture 260 trains over the next three years. The initiative aims to improve long-distance railway connectivity and provide passengers with a more comfortable experience during overnight journeys.
The manufacturing programme will involve three major facilities: KINET in Latur, Maharashtra, Titagarh in West Bengal and the Integral Coach Factory (ICF) in Chennai. According to the proposed production plan, KINET will manufacture 120 train sets, Titagarh will produce 80, while ICF Chennai will contribute another 60.
The expansion is expected to strengthen India’s railway manufacturing capabilities while improving overnight travel facilities. However, the final production schedule, delivery targets and routes will depend on official railway plans and implementation progress.
Vande Bharat Sleeper Train: Production Plan for 260 Trains
Indian Railways has assigned production targets across three manufacturing facilities to achieve its goal of building 260 Vande Bharat Sleeper trains within three years.
The proposed distribution is as follows:
| Manufacturing facility | Planned train sets |
|---|---|
| KINET, Latur, Maharashtra | 120 |
| Titagarh, West Bengal | 80 |
| ICF, Chennai | 60 |
| Total | 260 |
These trains are being planned to combine the convenience of overnight sleeper journeys with modern passenger facilities. The expansion is also expected to support domestic railway manufacturing and create opportunities across the railway supply chain.
Passengers are awaiting further announcements regarding the routes on which these trains will operate and the expected dates of their introduction.
Varanasi-Delhi Vande Bharat Sleeper: Ticket Demand Increases
The Vande Bharat Sleeper service between Varanasi and New Delhi has attracted considerable passenger interest even before the commencement of regular operations.
According to the booking information, demand has increased significantly, with waiting lists appearing for First AC seats on the Varanasi-Delhi route by 10 AM on Sunday. On the return Delhi-Varanasi route, confirmed tickets were unavailable across all classes until November 8, ahead of Diwali.
Ticket reservations opened at approximately 12:30 AM on November 1. Passengers started booking seats soon after the reservation facility became available, resulting in limited ticket availability on both routes.
The sleeper service is being described as Uttar Pradesh’s first and India’s second Vande Bharat Sleeper train.
Vande Bharat Sleeper Train Timings: Varanasi to Delhi and Return
Regular operations of the Vande Bharat Sleeper Express between Varanasi and New Delhi are scheduled to begin on Monday.
The train operating from Varanasi will depart at 8:50 PM and reach New Delhi at 6:10 AM the following morning. This service will operate every day except Friday.
For the return journey, the train will leave New Delhi at 9:40 PM and arrive in Varanasi at 7:10 AM the next day. The return service will remain unavailable on Saturdays.
These overnight timings are intended to allow passengers to travel between the two cities while making better use of their daytime hours.
Vande Bharat Sleeper Ticket Price: Check AC 1, AC 2 and AC 3 Fares
Passengers travelling on the Vande Bharat Sleeper Express can choose between three air-conditioned accommodation categories. The ticket prices are as follows:
| Travel class | Ticket fare |
|---|---|
| First AC (1A) | Rs 3,030 |
| Second AC (2A) | Rs 2,470 |
| Third AC (3A) | Rs 1,915 |
The fares are higher than those of conventional express trains. For example, a Third AC journey on other express trains costs approximately Rs 1,170, compared with Rs 1,915 on the Vande Bharat Sleeper.
This means passengers will pay around Rs 745 extra for the Vande Bharat Sleeper journey in Third AC.
Despite the higher ticket prices, the train is attracting attention because of its modern facilities and high-speed travel experience. Passenger interest and early booking demand indicate strong enthusiasm for the new overnight railway service.
Disclaimer
This article is intended for general informational purposes only. Train production targets, schedules, ticket prices, reservation availability and operational details are based on the information provided and may be revised by Indian Railways. Passengers should check the official Indian Railways website or IRCTC platform for the latest timetable, fare and booking information before planning their journey.