Indian Railway News: 30 December 2025
Indian Railways has achieved another major milestone in high-speed rail development as the upcoming Vande Bharat Sleeper train successfully clocked a speed of 180 kmph during a trial run on the Kota–Nagda section. The test was conducted under the supervision of the Commissioner of Railway Safety (CRS).
Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw shared a video of the high-speed trial on social media, highlighting the technological advancement of India’s next-generation sleeper trains.
Ashwini Vaishnaw Shares High-Speed Trial Video
Taking to X (formerly Twitter), Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw posted a video showing the Vande Bharat Sleeper train reaching 180 kmph while maintaining exceptional stability.
He wrote that the train underwent a successful water test, a method used to demonstrate ride comfort and balance. In the video, glasses filled with water were stacked inside the coach and remained steady even when the train touched 182 kmph, proving the smoothness of the ride.
According to the minister, the test validates the advanced engineering and safety standards of the new sleeper variant.
Design Speed vs Operating Speed of Vande Bharat Trains
Currently, the Vande Bharat Express trains operating across India have a maximum operational speed of 160 kmph, though they are designed to run at 180 kmph.
Railway officials have clarified that the actual running speed depends on multiple factors such as track geometry, maintenance schedules, signaling systems, and station stoppages. The successful trial between Kota and Nagda shows that Indian Railways is steadily upgrading infrastructure to support higher speeds.
Vande Bharat Sleeper to Revolutionise Overnight Travel
The upcoming Vande Bharat Sleeper train is expected to transform long-distance overnight journeys in India. According to the Ministry of Railways, the sleeper variant will offer:
- Faster travel time on busy routes
- Modern AC sleeper coaches
- Improved comfort and safety features
- Advanced braking and stability systems
The ministry has stated that these trains will first be introduced on high-demand routes and gradually expanded nationwide.
Expansion of Vande Bharat Services Continues
Earlier this month, Indian Railways extended a Vande Bharat Express service from Chennai to Narasapur, improving connectivity between Chennai and coastal Andhra Pradesh. This extension reflects the Railways’ broader plan to enhance passenger comfort and reduce travel time through semi-high-speed trains.
With sleeper variants nearing launch, Vande Bharat trains are set to play a crucial role in the future of Indian Rail travel.
