Kerala Gets First Sleeper Vande Bharat Train On Trivandrum- Mangalore Route From Thiruvananthapuram

Indian Railways is all set to introduce a Vande Bharat Sleeper train in Kerala from the capital city Thiruvananthapuram. This marks a major step in modernising rail travel for the people of Kerala. It is part of the Railways' larger plan to roll out 10 Vande Bharat Sleeper trains across India in this financial year 2026 (FY26).

Vande Bharat Sleeper Train in Kerala From Trivandrum to Mangalore

Currently, Thiruvananthapuram already has four Vande Bharat Express services, all with chair cars. These include Train No. 20632 from Trivandrum Central to Mangaluru Central, Train No. 20634 to Kasaragod, and the return trains 20631 and 20633 from Mangaluru and Kasaragod respectively. Now, the capital city is preparing to welcome the sleeper version of this premium train service.

Southern Railway will operate and maintain the upcoming Vande Bharat Sleeper from Thiruvananthapuram. Railway officials have confirmed the proposal but mentioned that the exact route is still under discussion. "There is a proposal to run the Vande Bharat Sleeper from Thiruvananthapuram. However, we have not yet decided the route of this new semi-high-speed train. The Railway Board will take the final decision," a senior railway official said as per ETNow report.

The new sleeper train promises speed, comfort, and cutting-edge features. It has a top speed of 160 kmph and can accommodate 823 passengers. The seating configuration includes 611 berths in AC 3 Tier, 188 in AC 2 Tier, and 24 berths in First Class AC.

Vande Bharat Sleeper train in the God's Own Country Kerala Bharat Sleeper will be equipped with several modern amenities to enhance the passenger experience. These include individual reading lights with USB charging points, visual information systems, and public announcement systems for real-time updates. The coaches will also feature internal display panels, modular pantries, and high-definition CCTV cameras for added safety.

Additionally, specialised accommodations and accessible restrooms are being provided for travellers with disabilities. The First Class AC coaches will have hot water showers, which will improve the comfort of long-distance travel. Additionally, India's own cutting-edge collision prevention technology, the Kavach system, would be installed aboard the train for safety.

With this launch, Indian Railways is aiming to deliver a world-class travel experience that matches European standards. The Vande Bharat Sleeper train is expected to be a game-changer for overnight journeys, and Thiruvananthapuram is set to play a key role in this exciting transformation.