Thiruvananthapuram
Kerala is set to become home to India’s first Vande Bharat Sleeper train on the Mangaluru–Thiruvananthapuram route. The Indian Railways is actively considering introducing the sleeper service in response to the consistently high passenger demand on this corridor, which remains fully booked throughout the year regardless of the season.
Currently, Kerala has two operational Vande Bharat trains: the Kasaragod–Thiruvananthapuram and the Mangaluru–Thiruvananthapuram services. Both services have experienced heavy traffic, prompting the railways to increase the number of coaches on the Kasaragod–Thiruvananthapuram train from 16 to 20. The new sleeper variant aims to enhance comfort for long-distance travellers.
The Vande Bharat Sleeper Service is part of a broader initiative by Indian Railways to modernise the national rail network, focusing on speed, passenger convenience, and comfort. In addition to the Mangaluru–Thiruvananthapuram route, authorities are exploring other routes such as Thiruvananthapuram–Bengaluru and Kanyakumari–Srinagar, aiming to improve connectivity between distant regions of the country.
Designed by the Integral Coach Factory (ICF) in Chennai and manufactured by Bharat Earth Movers Limited (BEML), the Vande Bharat Sleeper will be fully air-conditioned and capable of accommodating up to 1,128 passengers. Officials have highlighted that the train will offer modern amenities, ensuring a comfortable travel experience for long-distance passengers.
While the specific route details and halts are still being finalised, travellers can expect stops at major stations between Mangaluru and Thiruvananthapuram. The sleeper service is expected to significantly ease travel on this busy corridor, offering a blend of speed, comfort, and convenience for passengers.
With the introduction of the Vande Bharat Sleeper, Kerala is poised to provide a modern, efficient, and comfortable long-distance train service, setting a benchmark for future expansions of the Vande Bharat network across India.