Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw announced on Tuesday that the much-anticipated Vande Bharat Sleeper trains will launch once the second train is ready for regular service. The first train waits at the Shakur Basti Coaching Depot in Delhi following successful trials.
Officials confirm the second Vande Bharat Sleeper train is currently under manufacturing and is expected to be ready by October 15, 2025. Vaishnaw stated, “Both the trains will be launched together,” emphasizing the importance of the second train for maintaining service continuity.
“Once we have the second rake, we will finalize the routes and commence operations,” he added. Speculation suggests that the inaugural route may connect New Delhi and Patna, particularly relevant as Bihar approaches its upcoming polls.
During the briefing, Vaishnaw, accompanied by Minister of State for Railways Ravneet Singh Bittu, provided updates on various railway projects in Punjab. The ministers detailed a new 18-kilometre Rajpura-Mohali line, enhancing connectivity to Chandigarh via the Ambala-Amritsar main line.
The Rajpura-Mohali rail link aims to reduce travel distances by approximately 66 kilometres while also alleviating traffic on the existing Rajpura-Ambala route. Vaishnaw noted, “This connection will significantly benefit commuters.”
In addition to the sleeper services, the Minister proposed a new Vande Bharat train between New Delhi and Firozpur Cantonment. This service will encompass several key stations, including Faridkot and Patiala, covering a distance of 486 kilometres in approximately 6 hours and 40 minutes.
“I will request the Prime Minister to approve the Firozpur-Delhi Vande Bharat train,” said Vaishnaw, highlighting the potential impact of this service on regional connectivity.
The ministers also showcased nine important railway projects initiated after 2014. These include significant upgrades like the new Nangal Dam-Daulat Pur Chowk line, which spans 61 kilometres at a cost of Rs 672 crore.
Further, seven new projects are underway, featuring the Nangal Dam-Talwara new line at 123 kilometres, budgeted at Rs 2,018 crore, and the doubling of strategic routes such as the Mansa-Bhatinda line.
Vaishnaw mentioned efforts to redevelop 30 railway stations under the Amrit Bharat scheme, designed to enhance passenger amenities and overall experience.
Highlighting the Indian Railways’ operational efficiency, he reported that 29 rail divisions, including Malda and Mysore, have achieved an impressive 90 percent punctuality rate. “This reflects our commitment to improving service delivery and passenger satisfaction,” concluded Vaishnaw.
As the launch of the Vande Bharat Sleeper trains approaches, many look forward to improved travel experiences across crucial routes. The ongoing initiatives underscore the government’s dedication to enhancing railway infrastructure and connectivity throughout India.
