The much-awaited Vande Bharat Sleeper Train, initially expected to debut in October 2025, has encountered a significant delay after the Ministry of Railways raised concerns over furnishing, design, and safety aspects. According to a PTI report, the Railway Board has flagged several workmanship and interior issues in the newly designed 16-coach rake, prompting authorities to hold back the rollout until the deficiencies are rectified.
While the Research Designs and Standards Organisation (RDSO) has submitted its compliance report, operational clearance will proceed only after the necessary improvements are implemented.
Key Points: Vande Bharat Sleeper Train Delay and Safety Review
- Launch postponed: The train’s debut, planned for October 2025, is delayed due to furnishing and safety concerns.
- Railway Ministry observations: Sharp edges, curtain handle defects, and cleaning complications flagged in multiple coaches.
- Compliance update: RDSO submitted its updated compliance report on September 1, 2025, following CCRS trials.
- Final sanction: Ministry approval issued on October 28, 2025, with conditions for rectification.
- Safety focus: Integration of Kavach 4.0 system, fire safety protocols, and communication upgrades mandated.
- Maintenance readiness: Qualified staff, spares, and proactive upkeep measures required across zones.
- Route yet to be finalised: The directive has been circulated to all railway zones for implementation.
Railway Ministry Raises Red Flags Over Workmanship and Design
In a written communication addressed to the Director General of RDSO and General Managers of all railway zones, the Railway Board highlighted multiple shortcomings in the Vande Bharat Sleeper rake. The observations pointed out issues such as sharp edges and corners at berthing areas, poorly designed window curtain handles, and “pigeon pockets” between berth connectors, which could complicate cleaning and maintenance processes.
Inspectors also noted fitting defects, edge cuts, and lapses in workmanship in more than one coach, urging immediate corrective measures. The Board has advised that all design and furnishing improvements be incorporated not only in the current rake but also in future production units.
RDSO Compliance and Approval Timeline
As per official procedure, any newly designed train must receive safety clearance from the Chief Commissioner of Railway Safety (CCRS) before operations commence. During the Vande Bharat Sleeper trials, the CCRS identified several areas requiring modification and conveyed its observations to the RDSO.
Following these assessments, the RDSO submitted its updated compliance report on September 1, 2025, which was later forwarded to the Railway Ministry. Subsequently, on October 28, 2025, the Ministry issued its conditional sanction to begin operations, provided all highlighted deficiencies are corrected.
Officials emphasized that the approval does not imply operational readiness until each compliance point is satisfactorily addressed.
Premium Design with World-Class Features
Despite the delays, the Vande Bharat Sleeper Train remains one of the most ambitious projects under Indian Railways. Designed by Kinet, the prototype is built as a high-speed electric multiple unit (EMU) meant for long-distance travel.
With an operational speed of 160 km/h and a maximum speed of 180 km/h, the train promises faster, smoother intercity connectivity.
A video shared by a content creator showcased the interiors, describing the first-class cabin as a “perfect blend of style, space, and smart travel vibes.” The luxury sleeper design features:
- Plush, comfortable seating.
- Individual reading lights and charging points.
- Water bottle holders and modern berth layouts.
- Temperature-controlled environments for passenger comfort.
However, the Railway Board insists that aesthetic appeal cannot come at the cost of safety or practicality, making design refinements essential before the train enters commercial service.
Strict Safety and Operational Measures Enforced
The Ministry has reinforced the need for comprehensive safety compliance before operational rollout. Each rake must integrate:
- Kavach 4.0, India’s indigenous train collision avoidance system.
- Advanced fire safety installations.
- Reliable communication systems linking loco pilots, train managers, and station masters.
- Properly maintained braking systems and mechanical integrity checks.
- Crew members have been instructed to undergo training to uncouple semi-permanent couplers within 15 minutes during emergencies. The ministry has also directed all zones to deploy trained technical staff and ensure availability of spare parts and consumables for maintenance.
To enhance passenger experience, the ministry advised maintaining a stable temperature inside the coaches, considering frequent door openings during travel. Moreover, multilingual public announcements, in English, Hindi, and regional languages must be broadcast regularly to guide and inform passengers about safety norms and boarding protocols.
Maintenance and Reliability Under Focus
The Railway Ministry has asked all zones to establish dedicated maintenance units for the Vande Bharat Sleeper Train. These teams are to manage proactive inspections and handle on-route emergencies. According to the Railway Board, proactive maintenance will improve the reliability quotient, enhance the shelf life of components, and uphold the credibility of India’s flagship semi-high-speed project.
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Zones have also been instructed to ensure technical staff availability en route, capable of addressing mechanical or electrical faults promptly to maintain smooth service continuity once operations begin.
Vande Bharat Sleeper Route and Future Prospects
The route for the Vande Bharat Sleeper has not yet been finalised. The Railway Ministry’s directive, dated October 28, was circulated to all zones, allowing regional authorities to prepare for deployment once the rake passes the final safety and furnishing checks.
The ministry aims to set a new benchmark in Indian train travel with this long-distance, high-speed sleeper version. While the delay has pushed back its anticipated debut, officials maintain that quality and passenger safety remain the top priorities before introducing the train to the public network.
A Step Forward in Comfort and Caution
The postponement of the Vande Bharat Sleeper Train’s launch reflects the Indian Railways’ determination to balance innovation with passenger safety. Though setbacks have slowed its rollout, the meticulous inspection process underlines the ministry’s focus on ensuring perfection before launch.
Once the identified issues, ranging from design defects to safety integration are resolved, the Vande Bharat Sleeper is poised to redefine luxury train travel in India. As PTI reported, operational readiness now depends on how swiftly the final improvements are executed and verified by the concerned authorities.
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FAQs on Vande Bharat Sleeper Train Delay and Launch Update
1. Why has the Vande Bharat Sleeper Train launch been delayed?
The launch was delayed due to furnishing, safety, and design issues flagged by the Railway Ministry, including sharp edges and poor workmanship in some coaches.
2. When will the Vande Bharat Sleeper Train be launched?
The official launch date is yet to be announced, as the train awaits rectification of deficiencies and final clearance from the Railway Ministry.
3. What safety systems are being installed in the Vande Bharat Sleeper Train?
The sleeper rake will include the Kavach 4.0 collision avoidance system, advanced fire safety mechanisms, and reliable communication networks for passenger and crew safety.
4. Who designed the Vande Bharat Sleeper Train prototype?
The prototype of the Vande Bharat Sleeper Train was designed by Kinet, with an operational speed of 160 km/h and a maximum speed of 180 km/h.
5. Which agency conducted trials and compliance checks for the Vande Bharat Sleeper Train?
The Research Designs and Standards Organisation (RDSO) conducted trials and submitted compliance to the Railway Ministry after CCRS observations in September 2025.
