Indian Railways plans to launch Vande Bharat sleeper trains in the next two months, with the revolutionary train slated to enter the tracks for trial runs on August 15. Vande Bharat sleeper trains are intended to outperform Rajdhani and Tejas Express trains, as well as be faster than Shatabdi express trains.
According to sources, along with the Vande Bharat sleeper trains, Indian Railways is preparing to deploy the Vande Metro, which is geared for short-distance intercity travel, with trial runs beginning soon. BEML is currently manufacturing the first prototype.
250 Vande Bharat sleeper trains by 2029
Meanwhile, Railways Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw revealed on Saturday that the Indian Railways plans to deploy roughly 250 Vande Bharat sleeper trains by 2029. “The Vande Bharat sleeper train trainset is nearing completion, and the first train will be on track in two months. All technical development is in its final stages. BEML Ltd manufactures the trainset at its rail plant in Bangalore. The much-anticipated Vande Bharat Sleeper version would provide passengers with simple transportation and many luxuries in the near future, meeting world standards,” Vaishnaw stated.
Vande Bharat sleeper trains include
- The Vande Bharat sleeper prototype will consist of 16 coaches: 11 AC 3-tier coaches, 4 AC 2-tier coaches, and 1 AC 1st class coach.
- It will accommodate a total of 823 passengers, including 611 in AC 3-tier, 188 in AC 2-tier, and 24 in AC 1st class.
- The berths will feature extra cushioning, surpassing that of Rajdhani Express trains, ensuring a comfortable travel experience.
- The interior of the Vande Bharat sleeper will adopt a soothing color scheme with shades of cream, yellow, and wood, creating a pleasant ambiance.
- Improved ladder designs will facilitate easier access to upper and middle berths for passengers.
- Sensor-based lighting in common areas and energy-efficient overhead lighting will provide ample illumination.
- Aisle areas will be equipped with floor strips to ease movement during nighttime.
- Features will include sensor-based intercommunication doors, noise insulation for a silent saloon, special berths and toilets for differently-abled passengers, and automatic entry/exit doors.
- The train will employ semi-permanent couplers, akin to those used in existing Vande Bharat chair car trains, to minimise jerks and enhance passenger comfort.
- Fully sealed gangways will enable seamless movement between coaches, complemented by a well-regulated air-conditioning system ensuring a comfortable and dust-free environment.
- Inspired by the prowess of eagles, the exterior design will feature sleek lines and a fierce aura.
- As a semi-high-speed train, the Vande Bharat sleeper will achieve speeds up to 160 kmph, undergoing testing at speeds reaching up to 180 kmph.
