India's First Vande Bharat Sleeper Train on Thiruvananthapuram - Mangaluru Route

In a significant development for Indian Railways, Kerala is set to host the country's first Vande Bharat Sleeper train, connecting Thiruvananthapuram and Mangaluru. This initiative aims to modernize long-distance travel by offering enhanced speed and comfort. The 16-coach train, designed by the Integral Coach Factory (ICF) and manufactured by Bharat Earth Movers Limited (BEML), will accommodate up to 1,128 passengers. It features modern amenities such as ergonomically designed sleeping berths, improved lighting, GPS-based LED display systems for real-time travel updates, and the Kavach safety system for enhanced operational security .

The introduction of the Vande Bharat Sleeper train addresses the growing demand for comfortable overnight travel options on the Mangaluru-Thiruvananthapuram route. Currently, only three night trains serve this corridor, often experiencing high demand with reservations filling up weeks in advance, especially during festive seasons . The new sleeper service is expected to alleviate congestion and provide a more efficient travel experience for passengers.

This launch is part of a broader initiative to upgrade the country's rail network, with plans for additional routes such as Thiruvananthapuram–Bengaluru and Kanyakumari–Srinagar. These proposed connections aim to enhance cross-country travel accessibility, promoting seamless movement between distant regions of India . The Vande Bharat Sleeper train represents a significant step forward in Indian Railways' mission to modernize long-distance travel and enhance connectivity between railway zones.