Vande Bharat Sleeper Train: First Visuals Shared By Railway Minister

On Sunday, Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw unveiled the prototype of the highly anticipated Vande Bharat sleeper coach at BEML's Bengaluru facility. The new sleeper coach will undergo a 10-day trial period before it is tested on tracks for further performance evaluations.

New Sleeper Coach Design: Key Features

Vaishnaw highlighted that after the success of the Vande Bharat chair cars, the sleeper version has now been completed. This version is designed for long-distance, overnight journeys ranging from 800 to 1,200 kilometers. The train will have 16 coaches, including:

• 11 AC three-tier coaches
• 4 AC two-tier coaches
• 1 AC first-class coach
• The total seating capacity is 823 berths.

Speed, Safety, and Comfort: What’s New?

The Vande Bharat sleeper coach will operate at speeds of up to 160 kmph and comes equipped with advanced safety features, including crash-worthy design elements. Passengers will enjoy world-class amenities, such as:
Integrated reading lights with USB charging ports

Modular pantries

Special berths and toilets for differently-abled passengers
Public announcement systems and visual information systems
In addition, the first-class AC coach will feature showers with hot water, improving comfort on long journeys.

Launch Timeline and Production Plans

Minister Vaishnaw announced that the Vande Bharat sleeper train will be ready for passenger service within three months. After the successful testing of the prototype, production will begin, with plans to roll out 2-3 trains per month after the first year and a half of production.

Affordable Yet Comfortable Travel

Vaishnaw emphasized that the Vande Bharat sleeper trains would cater to the middle-class and the fares will be comparable to Rajdhani Express, making it an affordable yet comfortable travel option for long-distance commuters.
Ongoing Success of Vande Bharat Services.

As of December 2024, 136 Vande Bharat trains are operational across India, serving short and medium-distance routes on the broad-gauge electrified network. These trains, primarily featuring Chair Cars, have seen immense popularity, with occupancy rates exceeding 100% as of October 2024.

Improving Accessibility for All

In line with the Sugamya Bharat Mission, which aims to improve accessibility for passengers with disabilities, Indian Railways has taken several initiatives, including:

• Installation of ramps
• Braille and tactile signage
• Low-height counters
• Accessible parking at stations

These efforts ensure that railway services are more inclusive and accommodate the needs of all passengers.

Upcoming Field Trials for Sleeper Train

The Vande Bharat sleeper coach will soon undergo loaded trial runs from the Integral Coach Factory (ICF) in Khajuraho, Madhya Pradesh. These tests, supervised by the Research Design and Standards Organisation (RDSO), will assess factors like train stability, vibration levels, and overall performance under different load conditions, ensuring the train meets the necessary standards for safe passenger service.