Delhi–Amritsar Vande Bharat Sleeper:Punjab will gain enhanced railway connections because the introduction of sleeper service high-speed Vande Bharat trains between Delhi and Amritsar will begin operation next winter. The Indian Railways systems are developing next-generation overnight train services which will enhance long-distance travel through their faster speeds and greater comfort and contemporary safety features.
Railway sources say northern routes which include Delhi to Amritsar show strong potential for upcoming sleeper service deployment after the delivery of new trainsets and the completion of test procedures.
Delhi–Amritsar Vande Bharat Sleeper
India has already entered the sleeper Vande Bharat phase in 2026 with the launch of the first overnight service on the Howrah–Guwahati corridor. The announcement was made in a press release issued by the Ministry of Railways and published by the Press Information Bureau (PIB).
वंदे भारत स्लीपर का कंप्लीट टेस्टिंग और सर्टिफिकेशन पूरा हो चुका है और इसका पहला रूट गुवाहाटी से कोलकाता होगा। माननीय प्रधानमंत्री श्री @narendramodi जी आगामी कुछ ही दिनों में इस रूट पर पहली वंदे भारत स्लीपर को फ्लैग ऑफ करेंगे: माननीय रेल मंत्री श्री @AshwiniVaishnaw जी pic.twitter.com/sTjlnqWj7A
— Ministry of Railways (@RailMinIndia) January 1, 2026
Railway authorities describe the sleeper variant as a “game changer” that will extend the Vande Bharat brand beyond daytime chair-car services to long-distance overnight journeys.
The new trains are designed with:
- Speeds up to 160–180 km/h
- Modern berths with improved cushioning
- Automatic doors and noise-reduction technology
- Kavach anti-collision safety system
- Advanced fire protection and passenger communication features
Why Delhi–Amritsar Route Matters?
The Delhi–Amritsar corridor is one of North India’s busiest rail routes, connecting the national capital with Punjab’s spiritual and commercial hub. Existing trains such as the Shan-e-Punjab Express currently take over seven hours for the 448-km journey.
“The testing and certification of the Vande Bharat Sleeper train have been completed, and its first proposed route is Guwahati–Kolkata. Prime Minister Modi will flag off the inaugural service on this route in the coming days,” Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw said.
A sleeper Vande Bharat on this route could:
- Enable late-night departures with early-morning arrivals
- Provide premium AC travel options for business and pilgrims
- Boost tourism to Amritsar, including the Golden Temple
- Improve connectivity for Punjab residents traveling to Delhi for work and education
Rail infrastructure planners have long viewed the Delhi–Punjab region as a priority growth corridor, with even future high-speed rail projects proposed to cut travel time drastically.
260 Vande Bharat Sleeper Trains Announced: Features, Speed, Routes & Benefits
Production Push
The government has placed large manufacturing orders for sleeper Vande Bharat trainsets to support nationwide expansion. A joint venture led by Rail Vikas Nigam Limited is producing 120 sleeper trainsets, while additional units are being built by other manufacturers.
Officials also plan hundreds more rakes in the coming years to meet rising demand for modern long-distance rail services.
This production scale is the key reason why routes like Delhi–Amritsar are expected to receive services after the initial rollout phase.
Expected Features for Punjab Passengers
The Delhi–Amritsar sleeper Vande Bharat train will start operating on its scheduled winter launch date. The train will provide three types of accommodation which include:
- The train will feature airline-style interiors that provide passengers with better privacy through its design.
- The system enables quicker acceleration which results in shorter travel durations between destinations.
- The system provides better safety protection which exceeds the safety measures of traditional train systems.
- The train system operates with 16 coaches which can transport more than 800 passengers while providing them with comfortable space.
