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Vande Bharat Sleeper train, IREE 2025: The Indo-Russian joint venture Kinet Railway Solutions on Wednesday unveiled the design concept of the First AC coach for the Vande Bharat Sleeper train. The unveiling took place during the International Railway Equipment Exhibition (IREE) 2025 at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi.
The Kinet Railway Solutions, has been established as a joint venture between leading Russian rolling stock major TMH and Rail Vikas Nigam Limited (RVNL) for the manufacturing and maintaining 120 Vande Bharat Sleeper Trains (or 1,920 coaches) for Indian Railways.
Vande Bharat Sleeper train design concept by Kinet Railway Solutions
The new First AC four-berth compartment offers a spacious, bright and comfortable environment designed for enhanced privacy. The staircase ensures easy access to the upper berths, while each seat comes equipped with a built-in USB port, individual reading light, and smart storage solutions for added convenience.
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First AC Coach design of Vande Bharat Sleeper train by Kinet Railway Solutions (Image: Kinet Railway Solutions)
“Modern and premium materials meet in harmony, while soft tones and warm metallic accents add a touch of elegance. A delicate national-style motif, developed together with Indian artists using the traditional block printing technique, gently frames the cabin, adding a familiar cultural warmth. Even the niche under the staircase serves as a bedside space – a place for a book, a phone, or a watch – a small yet meaningful detail that makes the journey feel personal,” the Kinet Railway Solutions said in a statement.
First AC Coach design of Vande Bharat Sleeper train by Kinet Railway Solutions (Image: Kinet Railway Solutions)
At the IREE 2025, Nishunk Garg, Project Director, Kinet Railway Solutions noted that the Marathwada Rail Coach Factory in Latur is entering the final stages of modernization, with production ramp-up planned for the end of 2025.
First AC Coach design of Vande Bharat Sleeper train by Kinet Railway Solutions (Image: Kinet Railway Solutions)
According to Garg, the presentation of the First AC sleeper compartment design concept marks a significant milestone in this journey.
First AC Coach design of Vande Bharat Sleeper train by Kinet Railway Solutions (Image: Kinet Railway Solutions)
The company is expected to unveil the first prototype in June 2026. Presently, a maintenance depot is under construction in Jodhpur, with additional facilities planned in Delhi and Bengaluru.
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First AC Coach design of Vande Bharat Sleeper train by Kinet Railway Solutions (Image: Kinet Railway Solutions)
Vande Bharat Sleeper train contract
Earlier, the Ministry of Railways awarded the contract to manufacture Vande Bharat Sleeper trains to three companies: BEML, Kinet Railway Solutions and a consortium of Titagarh Rail Systems Limited and Bharat Heavy Engineering Limited (BHEL).
Vande Bharat Sleeper train launch
The national transporter has decided to launch two Vande Bharat Sleeper trains together. Last month, Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw clarified that the launch will take place only after the second train is fully ready for regular service. This train has been manufactured by BEML using ICF technology.