Vande Bharat Sleeper Train will not be launched until…: Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw shares crucial update and reason

New Delhi: The whole country is waiting eagerly for the launch of the Vande Bharat Sleeper trains. Now, it seems that the wait is about to get over in a month. This was confirmed by RailwayRailwayRailway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw on Tuesday, 23 September 2025, who said that the Vande Bharat Sleeper trains will be launched once the second train is ready for regular service. He emphasised that the second train is essential to maintain continuity of services.

One train is already ready at Shakur Basti Coaching Depot in Delhi after completing necessary trials and testing, officials said. Talking to the media, Vaishnaw said that the second Vande Bharat Sleeper Train is currently being manufactured and is expected to be ready by October 15, 2025. “Both the trains will be launched together. That’s why we are waiting for a second rake. Once we get it, we will decide on any route and start operations,” Vaishnaw said.

Speculation is rife that the trains may initially operate between New Delhi and Patna, as Bihar is going to the polls by the end of the year. Hence, the government will most likely try to get as much support from Bihar voters as possible. Vaishnaw, along with Minister of State for Railways Ravneet Singh Bittu, also updated the media on several upcoming and ongoing railway projects in Punjab.