Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw announced that the highly anticipated Vande Bharat Sleeper trains will debut once the second train completes the manufacturing process and is operational by October 15, 2025. With one train ready at the Shakur Basti Coaching Depot in Delhi, the Railways awaits completion of the second train to ensure seamless services.
During a press briefing, Vaishnaw stated, “Both trains will be launched together.” He stressed the significance of having two trains to maintain regular services, saying, “That’s why we are waiting for a second rake. Once we get it, we will decide any route and start operations.”
Speculation suggests that the inaugural route might be between New Delhi and Patna, a feasible option as Bihar gears up for elections later this year. This potential route aims to enhance connectivity in the region and accommodate heightened travel demands.
Alongside Minister of State for Railways Ravneet Singh Bittu, Vaishnaw elaborated on various railway projects within Punjab. They discussed the promising 18-kilometre Rajpura-Mohali railway line, designed to connect directly to Chandigarh while reducing travel distances dramatically by approximately 66 kilometres.
The new link should also alleviate traffic congestion on existing routes by shortening the Ambala-Morinda connection, providing significant benefits to commuters. Vaishnaw expressed his commitment to improve railway infrastructure, stating, “We are dedicated to modernizing the railway network to serve the public better.”
He also announced plans for another Vande Bharat train service between New Delhi and Firozpur Cantonment, covering key stops including Faridkot and Bhatinda. The train will traverse approximately 486 kilometres in around 6 hours and 40 minutes.
“I will request the Prime Minister to approve the Firozpur-Delhi Vande Bharat train,” Vaishnaw noted, emphasizing the importance of expedited approvals for enhancing intercity connectivity.
The Railways highlighted several significant projects commissioned since 2014. These include the Nangal Dam-Daulat Pur Chowk line spanning 61 kilometres, the doubling of the Chakki Bank-Bharoli line, and various strategic expansions aimed at bolstering rail connectivity throughout northern India.
Ministers shared details about seven ongoing railway projects, such as the Nangal Dam-Talwara new line and the doubling of the Mansa-Bhatinda line. These developments receive robust financial backing, with investments reaching into thousands of crores, showcasing the government’s commitment to rail transport improvements.
Vaishnaw further mentioned the redevelopment of 30 stations under the Amrit Bharat initiative, aimed at enhancing passenger experiences across the railway network.
Pointing to the improved punctuality rates, he reported that 29 railway divisions, including notable ones like Malda and Mysore, have achieved a remarkable 90 per cent punctuality rate. This achievement marks a significant improvement in the operational efficiency of the Indian Railways, bolstering public confidence in rail travel.
As the timeline for the Vande Bharat Sleeper trains rolls out, the railway department anticipates a transformative impact on intercity travel across India, adding much-needed comfort and convenience for passengers.
