Rail Vikas Nigam Limited (RVNL), in partnership with Russian firm TMH under the Kinet Railway Solutions JV, is set to roll out the first Vande Bharat Sleeper train prototype by June 2026. The company will manufacture 120 train sets, with full delivery expected by 2032.
“All the roadblocks have been cleared, and we are now in an advanced design stage. Production has already commenced at our Latur facility,” said MP Singh, Director-Operations at RVNL, during an earnings call.
The Ministry of Railways had awarded contracts for Vande Bharat Sleeper trains to three entities: BEML, the RVNL-TMH joint venture, and the Titagarh-BHEL consortium. These sleeper trains are designed for long and medium-distance travel with a focus on passenger comfort and advanced technology.
Singh confirmed that following prototype trials and successful proving runs, full-scale production is expected to begin in FY 2026-27. As per the contract, 90% of the cost will be released upon prototype production, with the remaining 10% after successful trials.
RVNL Chairman and Managing Director Pradeep Gaur added that the order of 120 train sets will be delivered by 2032, marking a major milestone in India’s high-speed train manufacturing ambitions.
