LUXURY ON RAILS: First Look at the Vande Bharat Sleeper's First AC Coach Design

 

New Delhi, India: The future of premium overnight travel in India was previewed at the International Railway Equipment Exhibition (IREE) 2025 at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi, where the Indo-Russian joint venture, Kinet Railway Solutions, unveiled the stunning design concept for the First AC coach of the Vande Bharat Sleeper train.

Kinet Railway Solutions: The Indo-Russian Partnership

Kinet Railway Solutions, a joint venture between the leading Russian rolling stock major TMH and India’s Rail Vikas Nigam Limited (RVNL), has been tasked with a massive contract: manufacturing and maintaining 120 Vande Bharat Sleeper Trains (equivalent to 1,920 coaches) for Indian Railways. This partnership is set to introduce a new standard of comfort and technology to the country's long-distance routes.

                                      

Design Concept: Privacy Meets Premium Comfort

The unveiled First AC design concept focuses on delivering a spacious, bright, and highly private travel experience. The four-berth compartment includes several modern features aimed at enhancing passenger convenience:

                                  

• Easy Access: A built-in staircase ensures simple and safe access to the upper berths.

• Personal Convenience: Each seat is equipped with a built-in USB port, an individual reading light, and smart storage solutions.

• Aesthetic Harmony: The design blends modern, premium materials with soft tones and warm metallic accents for an elegant finish.

A statement from Kinet Railway Solutions highlighted the attention to detail, noting that a "delicate national-style motif, developed together with Indian artists using the traditional block printing technique," frames the cabin, adding a familiar cultural warmth. Even the niche beneath the staircase is cleverly utilized as a bedside space for personal items like phones or books, making the journey feel personalized.

                               

Looking Ahead: Prototype and Manufacturing

The rollout of these premium sleeper trains is now officially on the calendar. Kinet Railway Solutions is expected to unveil the first operational prototype in June 2026.

To support the large-scale manufacturing and maintenance demands, the company is constructing a maintenance depot in Jodhpur, with additional facilities planned for Delhi and Bengaluru.

It is worth noting that Kinet Railway Solutions is one of three companies—alongside BEML and a consortium of Titagarh Rail Systems Limited & Bharat Heavy Engineering Limited (BHEL)—awarded contracts by the Ministry of Railways to manufacture the Vande Bharat Sleeper trains, ensuring a competitive and efficient overhaul of India’s overnight fleet.