Kota/Delhi | India moved closer to faster overnight rail travel and local passenger jet manufacturing this week. The Vande Bharat sleeper train touched 180 km/h during a high-speed trial in Rajasthan’s Kota division, part of a Research Designs and Standards Organisation (RDSO) test program running from November 2–17, 2025. Engineers are checking stability, braking on wet track, and ride quality using a 16-coach rake with simulated passenger load. In aviation, Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) signed an MoU with Russia’s United Aircraft Corporation (UAC) to manufacture the SJ-100 regional jet in India.
Vande Bharat Sleeper clocks 180 km/h in Rajasthan
Officials confirmed a top test speed of 180 km/h on the Sawai Madhopur–Kota–Nagda corridor, including a Long Confirmatory Run (LCR) over about 50 km between Rohalkhurd and Laban. The test plan includes oscillation monitoring and wet-track emergency braking. The trial began on November 2 and is scheduled to continue until November 17.
To reflect real conditions, the rake ran with 108 tonnes of added weight using iron-dust canisters, bringing the total load near 800 tonnes. Engineers tracked vibration and ride quality at speed. A widely shared on-site demo even showed a glass of water staying steady at 180 km/h, underscoring low vibration during the run.
Who built the sleeper rake and what is inside?
The sleeper rake is manufactured by BEML using ICF technology. Media explainers note First AC, AC-2, and AC-3 berths, noise-reduction panels, reading lights and USB charging points. Reports also highlight compliance with EN45545 HL3 fire standards.
While test speed is 180 km/h, regular service speeds will depend on corridor readiness. Many semi-high-speed sections in India today allow up to 160 km/h with the right track, fencing and signaling upgrades. Test speed proves capability; day-to-day operations follow safety limits on each route.
Why this sleeper matters
Overnight trains save daytime hours for travelers and make sense on 500–1,200 km corridors. A faster, quieter sleeper with modern amenities can draw passengers away from short-haul flights where door-to-door time is similar. For the railways, higher speed and quicker acceleration improve asset use across the week.
HAL–UAC MoU sets path to build SJ-100 in India
In Moscow, HAL and Russia’s UAC signed an MoU to manufacture the SJ-100 regional passenger jet in India. Reports call it a potential first for full civil airliner production domestically in decades, if the program moves from MoU to firm contracts, tooling and certification.
The SJ-100, part of the Superjet family, sits in the ~100-seat regional jet class and is meant for short-haul routes linking tier-2/3 cities with metros. This aligns with India’s regional connectivity goals and could, over time, bring better aircraft availability and local MRO support.
Open questions
- Certification: DGCA approvals for India; possible validations for export or leasing flexibility.
- Supply chain: Clear plan for systems historically sourced from Western vendors; sanctions-era compliance.
- Industrial plan: Final assembly location, workshare, tooling, training and MRO ecosystem in India.
Analysts note the MoU is a framework step; specific contracts and supplier lists will tell us how quickly production can start and how deep localization can go.
What it means for passengers
Rail: A quieter sleeper, better lighting and charging, and higher speed where corridors allow can shorten overnight journeys without raising fares sharply. Air: If SJ-100 production takes off, airlines could get more aircraft options for thinner routes, possibly improving frequency and connectivity between smaller cities and hubs.
What to watch next (3–6 months)
- Rail: Post-trial updates from Indian Railways on routes and service speeds for the sleeper version; continued corridor upgrades.
- Air: HAL–UAC milestones—industrial plan, supplier announcements, certification roadmap; clarity on Indian content and MRO.
Statements and versions
Railway testing team (as reported): the 180 km/h trial included oscillation, braking and a 50-km LCR between Rohalkhurd and Laban; the window runs to November 17.
On-site observation: media visuals showed a steady glass of water during the 180 km/h dash, highlighting low vibration.
HAL & UAC (as reported): the MoU enables the parties to explore production of the SJ-100 in India, with details to follow in binding agreements.
Background & features: Vande Bharat Sleeper
- Manufacturer: BEML (ICF technology), 16 coaches.
- Coach mix: First AC, AC-2, AC-3; modern lighting and charging; noise-reduction interiors.
- Safety: EN45545 HL3 fire standards mentioned in official/press materials.
Background & features: SJ-100 regional jet
- Class: ~100-seat regional jet for short-haul routes.
- Program status: MoU signed; certification, supplier plan and localization to be detailed in future agreements.
FAQs
Did the Vande Bharat sleeper really hit 180 km/h? Where?
Yes. Officials confirmed a top speed of 180 km/h during high-speed tests in the Kota division, including a 50-km LCR between Rohalkhurd and Laban. The trial window is November 2–17, 2025.
When will passengers be able to book the sleeper Vande Bharat?
No commercial date was announced in the trial reports. After testing, authorities will review data and decide on routes and operating speeds.
What new features does the sleeper rake have?
It has First AC, AC-2, and AC-3 berths, better sound insulation, reading lights, and USB charging. Safety materials reference EN45545 HL3 fire standards.BEML PDF
What exactly did HAL sign with Russia on the SJ-100?
HAL signed an MoU with UAC to manufacture the SJ-100 in India. An MoU is a framework step; detailed contracts, certification and supplier plans will follow.
How many seats does the SJ-100 have and which routes suit it?
The SJ-100 is a regional jet typically around 100 seats, built for short-haul routes between smaller cities and hubs.
Will train travel become faster and flights cheaper because of these steps?
On rail, actual speed in service depends on corridor readiness (track, signaling, fencing). On air, local manufacturing can improve aircraft availability and MRO, but fares also depend on fuel, taxes and competition.