The finalization of the Vande Bharat sleeper train design has hit a roadblock as Indian Railways has requested several modifications, including more toilets, larger luggage compartments, and the addition of a pantry car. These late-stage changes have led to significant delays in the rollout of the new generation of sleeper-equipped Vande Bharat trains.
The project, a collaboration between Indian Railways and a Russian-Indian joint venture (JV) involving TMH and RVNL, was expected to see its first prototype by the end of 2024. However, officials now say the prototype may only be ready by mid-2025, with full deliveries possibly extending into late 2025.
Kirill Lipa, CEO of TMH, expressed frustration over the delay, stating that the adjustments are technical but manageable if resolved quickly. “We are ready to start production, but the changes have increased the cost and design complexity,” he said. These changes include installing four toilets per coach (up from three), introducing luggage zones in each coach, and integrating a pantry car in every train.
Initially, the JV was to produce 120 trains with 16 coaches each. Now, the order has shifted to 80 trains with 24 coaches each. TMH has submitted revised technical proposals and is awaiting approvals after a gap of 4–5 months.
Engineering challenges have emerged due to the changes in coach design, particularly around space and systems integration. Lipa noted that incorporating a pantry car means modifying electrical, heating, and water supply systems throughout the train, not just in one compartment.
The issue was raised at the India-Russia Inter-Governmental Commission for Trade, Economic, Scientific and Cultural Cooperation (IRIGC-TEC) in Delhi, chaired by India’s External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar.
Despite setbacks, the JV remains committed to meeting Indian Railways’ expectations and completing deliveries by the end of 2025, once revised contracts are signed.
