India’s next big batch of overnight Vande Bharat trains has hit a slow patch. The rollout of 120 Vande Bharat Sleeper trainsets assigned to Kinet Railway Solutions is delayed because the final design package has not yet secured approval, according to a July 18 report by The Economic Times.
The hold-up does not mean 120 finished trains are parked in a yard. It means the manufacturing programme cannot move at the planned pace until drawings, systems, and engineering details are frozen. Kinet now expects its prototype by the end of 2026, more than two years later than the earlier project timeline cited by officials. Indian Railways is therefore looking at its own factories to keep sleeper production moving.
Why Has The 120-Train Programme Slipped?
Kinet Railway Solutions is an Indo-Russian joint venture involving Rail Vikas Nigam Limited and Russian rolling-stock partners. Its contract covers 120 trains, or 1,920 coaches, along with maintenance support spread across 35 years. The trains are planned for an operating speed of 160 kmph and will be manufactured at the Marathwada Rail Coach Factory in Latur. These project figures are also listed on Kinet’s official website.
The immediate problem is design closure. Officials told The Economic Times that a German consultant engaged to provide designs had not furnished approved designs. Kinet, however, said its trainset design had been developed and integrated internally, suppliers were following the approved plan, and the project remained aligned with the agreed schedule. That difference in public positions leaves the approval stage as the key point to watch.
Before series production begins, several connected elements must match Indian Railways’ specifications:
- Coach structure, crashworthiness and bogie configuration must receive technical acceptance.
- Interiors, berths, toilets, doors and passenger systems must fit safety and accessibility requirements.
- Propulsion, braking, signalling and Kavach integration must work as one approved train platform.
- Suppliers need frozen drawings before components can enter repeat production at scale.
A late design freeze affects more than paperwork. Tooling, procurement, assembly sequencing, trials and certification all depend on the approved configuration. Even a small change can travel through dozens of suppliers.
Is This The Same Sleeper Train Already Running?
No. This is where the story often becomes confusing. India’s first operational Vande Bharat Sleeper was developed through the Integral Coach Factory and BEML route, separate from Kinet’s 120-train contract. The first service was announced for the Howrah–Guwahati corridor in January 2026 after testing and certification were completed.
The official PIB announcement described a 16-coach train with 823 berths, including 11 AC three-tier coaches, four AC two-tier coaches, and one First AC coach. It also listed a design speed of up to 180 kmph, automatic doors, Kavach, CCTV cameras, improved suspension, and emergency communication units.
The Ministry of Railways also shared the launch update through its official X account. That working train proves the sleeper concept has entered passenger service. The current delay concerns a much larger second production stream, not the existence of the Vande Bharat Sleeper itself.
Another consortium, led by Titagarh and BHEL, holds the remaining 80 trainsets from the 200-train tender floated in 2023. Indian Railways is therefore managing several manufacturing tracks at once, each with its own design, plant, supplier chain, and delivery calendar.
What Will Indian Railways Do Next?
The railway ministry is reportedly turning to its own production units for next-generation sleeper coaches while the Kinet design process continues. This could spread manufacturing risk and prevent the national sleeper plan from depending on one contract.
There is already another route towards expansion. A February 2025 PIB release said propulsion equipment had been ordered for 50 rakes of 24-coach Vande Bharat Sleeper trainsets. Medha was selected for 33 rakes and Alstom for 17, with full-scale production planned from 2026–27.
For passengers, the delay may slow the arrival of newer overnight routes and the large-scale replacement of older premium services. Yet the broader programme has not stopped. One sleeper version is operating, more rakes are being built through ICF and BEML, the 80-train BHEL–Titagarh order remains separate, and railway factories may receive added work.
The next firm milestone is Kinet’s prototype. Once it is completed, it must undergo trials, technical checks and statutory certification before series production can gather speed. Until then, “120 trains waiting” should be read as a delayed order pipeline, not completed trains awaiting a signature.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why Are 120 Vande Bharat Sleeper Trains Delayed?
Final designs await approval, stopping manufacturing and supplier production from moving ahead at planned scale.
Who Is Building The 120 Sleeper Trains?
Kinet Railway Solutions, a joint venture involving RVNL and Russian railway partners, holds the contract.
When Will Kinet’s First Prototype Be Ready?
Kinet expects its first prototype by late 2026, subject to design approval and production progress.
Is A Vande Bharat Sleeper Already Operating?
Yes, a separate sixteen coach Vande Bharat Sleeper now operates on the Howrah Guwahati corridor.
What Happens After The Prototype Is Completed?
The prototype must complete trials, technical evaluation, safety certification and approvals before wider serial manufacturing.
