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Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnav highlighted the achievement by sharing a video of the test on X (formerly Twitter). The video showcased the ride quality and balance of the new sleeper version by showing the train’s digital speedometer momentarily reaching 182 km/h.
This also included a water test, in which glasses of water placed inside the train remained absolutely still despite the high speed.
“Vande Bharat” The sleeper was tested today by the Commissioner Railway Safety. It ran at a speed of 180 kmph between Kota Nagda section. And our own water testing demonstrated the technical features of this new generation train,” Vaishnav wrote along with the video.
Watch the video here:
Vande Bharat Sleeper was tested today by the Commissioner of Railway Safety. It ran at a speed of 180 kmph between Kota Nagda section. And our own water testing demonstrated the technical characteristics of this new generation train. pic.twitter.com/w0tE0Jcp2h
– Ashwini Vaishnaw (@AshwiniVaishnaw) 30 December 2025
Vande Bharat Sleeper, a long-haul, fully air-conditioned version of the semi-high-speed fleet, has been developed to revolutionize overnight train travel in India.
Compared to the current chair-car Vande Bharat The services run at a maximum permitted speed of 160 km/h, with the sleeper version designed for speeds up to 180 km/h. However, route layout, signaling systems and track conditions will determine actual business speeds.
Features of Vande Bharat Sleeper
There are 16 coaches in the first two Vande Bharat Sleeper prototypes: 11 air-conditioned three-tier coaches, four air-conditioned two-tier coaches, and one air-conditioned first class coach.
The sleeper train, a semi-speed service featuring modified upper berth access and padded berths to increase comfort, is based on design aspects of European rolling stock.
Passenger amenities include CCTV security, flexible pantry configurations, low intensity night lighting and auditory announcements supported by visual display systems.
Trains will be fitted with advanced bio-vacuum toilets just like aircraft. The AC first class coaches will have accessible facilities for people with disabilities, a child care area and shower cubicles with hot water.
In addition to safety measures like the built-in armor anti-collision technology of the chair car version, the sleeper version will have regenerative braking to increase energy efficiency.
BEML is manufacturing these Vande Bharat sleeper trains in collaboration with Integral Coach Factory (ICF). The partnership will produce 10 trains, while the other 10 will be manufactured by Kinet, a joint venture between Indian and Russian partners.
Titagarh Rail Systems and BHEL have signed an agreement to manufacture 80 different types of sleepers. ICF is also developing a sleeper version of the Vande Bharat train internally.