Vande Bharat Train Update: The Ministry of Railways is actively accelerating the production of Vande Bharat Sleeper trains as part of its broader railway modernization initiative. To achieve this, contracts have been awarded to three major entities: BEML; Kinet Railway Solutions, a joint venture between Russian rolling stock major TMH and Rail Vikas Nigam Limited (RVNL); and a consortium comprising Titagarh Rail Systems Limited and Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited (BHEL). 

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Vande Bharat Sleeper Train: Prototype Development Timeline

Among these, the RVNL-led joint venture has been entrusted with the production of 120 Vande Bharat Sleeper train sets. The first prototype is expected to be rolled out by June 2026.

“All the roadblocks have been cleared and now it is in advance of the design stage and production has started in the Latur factory. And we hope to see the first prototype in June ’26. And after that, the regular production will start,” MP Singh, Director-Operations, RVNL said, according to the Indian Express report. 

Vande Bharat Sleeper Train: Revenue And Payment Structure

Singh expressed optimism that the regular production of Vande Bharat Sleeper trainsets will commence in the financial year 2026-27. “As we expect the first prototype to roll out by next June, so revenue will also start flowing out. As per the contract condition, 90 percent of the cost of the train set will be given on production of the prototype and after its successful trial balance, 10 percent will also be released as revenue”.

Vande Bharat Sleeper Train: Regular Production And Delivery Schedule

Regular production will commence once the trials are successfully completed, proving trials are conducted, and the prototype receives the necessary approvals. “So, in the next financial year, that is Financial Year ‘26-27, along with the prototype, we expect to see the regular production of the train sets also,” he said.

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Speaking during an earnings conference call, Pradeep Gaur, Chairman and Managing Director of RVNL, stated that the order for 120 Vande Bharat Sleeper trainsets is expected to be completed by 2032. “2032, five years total. There is a breakup year-wise,” Gaur said in response to a question, as per a regulatory filing.