Travel Guides & Articles

Here’s what you need to know

Published

1 month ago

August 5, 2025

Dubai: India is set to add a new milestone to its railway modernisation journey with the launch of the Vande Bharat Sleeper train next month (September 2025), reports in the Indian media said. Designed for overnight travel, this semi-high-speed train aims to combine speed, safety, and comfort for long-distance passengers.

Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, speaking at an event in Bhavnagar, Gujarat, confirmed the launch last week. “Vande Bharat Sleeper is coming very soon – in September.” He stressed the efforts to transform India’s rail network with next-generation trains including Vande Bharat, Amrit Bharat, Namo Bharat, and now, Vande Sleeper.

Here’s everything you need to know about the Vande Bharat Sleeper train.

What is the Vande Bharat Sleeper train?

Unlike the existing Vande Bharat Express trains, which are designed for daytime travel, the sleeper version is built specifically for overnight journeys. It will offer sleeping berths across three AC classes and is being manufactured by BEML using ICF (Integral Coach Factory) technology.

What is the capacity and the coach classes?

The Vande Bharat Sleeper train will consist of 16 coaches across three classes — AC First Class, AC 2-Tier, and AC 3-Tier — with a total capacity of 1,128 passengers.

What’s the speed of the train?

The Vande Bharat Sleeper is designed to run at speeds of up to 180 kmph. This puts it in the semi-high-speed category, reducing travel time significantly compared to conventional overnight trains.

What are the key onboard features?

Real-time passenger information displays
Touch-free bio-vacuum toilets
USB charging with integrated reading lights
Visual and audio announcement systems
Modular pantries
Security surveillance cameras
Specially designed berths and restrooms for differently-abled passengers
Hot water showers in First AC coaches

What is the route and operational details?

The launch route has not yet been finalised. The final decision will be made by the Railway Board ahead of the September rollout.

What’s the update on Bullet Train?

The Mumbai–Ahmedabad Bullet Train project is progressing rapidly. Once operational, the 508km journey will take just 2 hours and 7 minutes. The train will run at speeds of 320 kmph, connecting key cities like Vapi, Surat, Vadodara, and Ahmedabad.

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Travel Guides & Articles

IRCTC to lead India’s participation at International Tourism Expo Vietnam 2025 with ASEAN-India Pavilion

Published

2 hours ago

September 6, 2025

Rajesh Kumar Thakur

NEW DELHI: The Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC), a Government of India enterprise, has been entrusted with the responsibility of organising India’s participation in the prestigious International Tourism Expo (ITE) Vietnam 2025.

This comes after Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced 2025 as the ASEAN-India Year of Tourism, marking a renewed commitment by India to strengthen its cultural, economic, and tourism ties with ASEAN countries.

This expo is being organised from 4 to 6 September this year at the Saigon Exhibition and Convention Centre (SECC) in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam.

The Prime Minister’s bold proclamation essentially outlines the pivotal role of tourism in improving people-to-people connectivity, fostering mutual prosperity, and strengthening the bonds of friendship between India and the ASEAN countries.

According to an official source, IRCTC is setting up an exclusive ASEAN-India Pavilion that will showcase a diverse range of tourism offerings from India. These include the country’s rich cultural heritage, spiritual and wellness packages, natural beauty, adventure activities, and premium travel products such as the world-class IRCTC luxury trains: the Maharajas’ Express, the Golden Chariot, and the Buddhist Circuit luxury AC train.

Vipra Pandey, Consulate General of India, inaugurated the ASEAN-India Pavilion in Ho Chi Minh City.

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