India’s First Vande Bharat Sleeper Train Revealed; Check features, photos and video
In a significant leap forward for Indian Railways, the prototype of the Vande Bharat Sleeper train was unveiled by Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw at BEML’s facility in Bengaluru on Sunday. This new sleeper variant of the Vande Bharat Express, designed and manufactured domestically by BEML, is poised to revolutionize long-distance rail travel in India.
Vande Bharat Sleeper Train Unveiled
The Vande Bharat Sleeper train features 16 coaches, meticulously designed for overnight journeys covering distances of 800 km to 1,200 km. The train’s enhanced features include improved oxygen levels, virus protection systems, and advanced air conditioning, setting new benchmarks for passenger comfort and safety.
Rigorous Testing Ahead
Before the Vande Bharat Sleeper begins passenger operations, it will undergo extensive trials and tests. The initial round of testing will take place within the next 10 days, followed by on-track trials. The train is expected to commence operations in the next three months, marking a new era in rail travel for India’s ‘aam aadmi.’
Advanced Features and Specifications
- Speed and Efficiency: The Vande Bharat Sleeper train boasts a testing speed of 180 kmph, with a maximum operating speed of 160 kmph. Its self-propelled train set allows for quicker acceleration and deceleration, enhancing its overall efficiency compared to the Rajdhani Express.
- Passenger Comfort: The train includes 11 AC 3-tier coaches, 4 AC 2-tier coaches, and 1 AC First Class coach, accommodating up to 823 passengers. The interior is equipped with European-standard amenities, including sensor-based intercommunication doors, ergonomic restrooms, and integrated reading lights with USB charging ports.
- Safety Enhancements: The Vande Bharat Sleeper train is built with advanced crashworthy features, including specially designed crash buffers and couplers. The materials used adhere to the highest fire safety standards, ensuring maximum safety for passengers.
Check the video tour below:
🚆✨ Sneak peek inside the newly unveiled #VandeBharatSleeper! Experience the future of long-distance rail travel with cutting-edge amenities, spacious cabins, and advanced safety features. Redefining comfort on overnight journeys. Check out the exclusive video! #IndianRailways pic.twitter.com/vTX5vhQzw9
— Punenow News (@itspunenow) September 2, 2024
Future Deployment and Impact
Indian Railways plans to deploy the Vande Bharat Sleeper train on key routes, particularly in the Golden Quadrilateral, such as Delhi-Mumbai and Delhi-Kolkata. These routes are yet to be finalized, but the introduction of this sleeper train is expected to significantly elevate the standard of long-distance rail travel in India.
Transforming Rail Travel in India
Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw emphasized that the Vande Bharat Sleeper train is part of a broader transformation plan for Indian Railways. Alongside the sleeper variant, the Railways is working on multiple configurations, including Vande Bharat chair cars, metro cars, and Amrit Bharat trains, all aimed at revolutionizing rail travel in the country.
In summary, the Vande Bharat Sleeper is not just a new train; it is a symbol of India’s evolving rail infrastructure, combining cutting-edge technology with unmatched passenger comfort. With its launch just a few months away, the Vande Bharat Sleeper is set to become a game-changer in Indian rail travel, surpassing even the prestigious Rajdhani Express in terms of speed, safety, and passenger experience.