The first Vande Bharat Sleeper prototype being built at the upgraded Marathwada Rail Coach Factory in Latur is now expected to roll out by 31 March 2027. Its timetable has been revised twice, first from the original June 2026 target to December 2026 and then to the end of March next year.

Official illustrative image of a Vande Bharat Sleeper train
Illustrative image of a Vande Bharat Sleeper train. Photo: Ministry of Railways / Press Information Bureau, Government of India

Rail Vikas Nigam Limited (RVNL) Chairman and Managing Director Saleem Ahmad confirmed the latest schedule during the company’s 23rd annual general meeting on Tuesday, 25 August. Manufacturing continues at the Latur facility, with the prototype expected to emerge during the current financial year.

Vande Bharat Sleeper prototype production in Latur

Production is being carried out through Kinet Railway Solutions Ltd, the Indo-Russian joint venture established by RVNL and Russian rolling stock manufacturer Transmashholding (TMH).

Kinet is responsible for manufacturing 120 Vande Bharat Sleeper trainsets, each consisting of 16 coaches. That brings the overall requirement under the contract to 1,920 coaches.

The project is valued at approximately Rs 14,400 crore and also includes a 35-year maintenance commitment. RVNL originally planned to have the first prototype ready in June 2026. The target was later moved to December 2026 before the latest extension to 31 March 2027.

Indian Railways has placed Vande Bharat Sleeper manufacturing orders with three parties: BEML, Kinet Railway Solutions, and the consortium formed by Titagarh Rail Systems and BHEL.

BEML has already developed the first operational Vande Bharat Sleeper service, which began running between Howrah and Kamakhya earlier this year.

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Context

The Latur order forms part of a wider Vande Bharat Sleeper manufacturing programme. The Ministry of Railways said in February 2026 that 260 sleeper rakes are planned, with development proceeding through prototype production, trials and then series manufacture. Entry into regular passenger service is to take place in phases depending on demand and operational readiness.

The Marathwada Rail Coach Factory itself was established at a cost of Rs 685.79 crore. Indian Railways says production of 120 Vande Bharat trainsets has been taken up at the Latur facility through a technology partner.

RVNL outlines wider rail infrastructure activity

At the same annual meeting, Ahmad outlined RVNL’s broader business activities, including its move into rolling stock production, changes in the composition of its order book, work on national-scale telecommunications infrastructure and expansion into projects obtained through competitive bidding.

Ahmad said:

“Over the years, RVNL has built strong capabilities in complex rail infrastructure with a presence across 16 states and an expanding international footprint,”

He added:

“The company has commissioned and handed over 158 projects to Indian Railways covering new lines, gauge conversion, doubling, railway electrification, workshops and other critical railway infrastructure. These projects have contributed to the creation of more than 17,000 km of rail infrastructure,”

During the 2025-26 financial year, RVNL commissioned and handed over 173.82 km of railway infrastructure to Indian Railways. This included the 150.28 km Phephna-Indara-Mau-Shahganj section and, according to Ahmad, contributed to safer, faster and more efficient train operations.

He said:

“Furthermore, RVNL commissioned 173 km of railway electrification along with four traction substations, eight switching posts and 12 SCADA (Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition) systems as part of doubling and third-line projects,”

Ahmad also referred to the company’s tunnelling work during FY2025-26:

“RVNL continued to demonstrate its technical expertise in challenging terrain and complex geological conditions. During FY2025-26, the Company completed 23 km of tunnel excavation.”

He said progress had also been made on major hill railway projects in Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh and Maharashtra.

Ahmad also detailed RVNL’s workshop activity:

“The company also commissioned 19 workshop projects during the year. Significant progress was achieved on the Kazipet Wagon periodic overhauling (POH) workshop and the Vadodara POH shop for electric locomotives, both scheduled for commissioning during the current financial year,”

RVNL has also established five Joint Venture Special Purpose Vehicles for rail connectivity projects.

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