On Tuesday, ICF spokesperson S. Rajagopalan told PTI that the 24‑coach Vande Bharat Sleeper design is already at a very advanced stage and will be finalized by 10 November 2026.
Once the design is sealed, Rajagopalan said the factory will launch the first prototype, expected between May and June 2027, before subjecting it to a series of trials to certify safety and performance.
The Ministry of Railways confirmed on 17 December 2024 that it has ordered propulsion equipment for 50 rakes: Medha will supply 33 sets while Alstom will provide the remaining 17, paving the way for full‑scale production in 2026‑27.
This 24‑coach project follows the earlier 16‑coach sleeper order, which saw two pairs already launched on the Howrah‑Kamakhya corridor, and dovetails with a joint venture that aims to produce 120 16‑coach sets by the end of 2027.
At the ICF workshop, 45‑year‑old electrician Ramesh Kumar said the new trains would bring higher‑paying jobs and better technology to the local community.