Vande Bharat Sleeper: New Comfort-Focused Sleeper Trains to Begin Trials on Major Routes
Vande Bharat Sleeper Train to Begin Trials on August 15
Indian Railways is gearing up to launch the Vande Bharat Sleeper train, adding to the success of the Vande Bharat Express. This new sleeper variant is set to begin trial runs on August 15, with the aim of providing enhanced comfort and convenience for long-distance travelers. Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnav announced that the plan is to run around 250 units of Vande Bharat Sleeper trains by 2029.
Routes for the Vande Bharat Sleeper Train
The Vande Bharat Sleeper train is expected to operate on several major routes initially. These include:
- Delhi-Mumbai
- Delhi-Kolkata
While these routes are anticipated to be the first phase of the rollout, there has been no official confirmation yet. The Vande Bharat Sleeper trains might eventually replace the Rajdhani Express, providing a modern upgrade for long-distance rail travel in India. The sleeper bogies are being manufactured at Bharat Earth Movers Limited’s unit in Bangalore in collaboration with the Integral Coach Factory in Chennai.
Speed and Features of the Vande Bharat Sleeper Train
The Vande Bharat Sleeper train is designed to run at a maximum speed of 160 kmph, similar to its day-time counterpart, the Vande Bharat Express. Key features include:
- 16 coaches with 823 berths
- Air travel-like facilities, including a pantry for food and beverages
- Automatic doors for safety
- Odorless toilets for hygiene
- Soundproof coaches ensuring a peaceful journey
- Comfortable sleeping arrangements for passengers
These features aim to provide a comfortable and convenient travel experience, making long-distance journeys more pleasant for passengers.
Vande Bharat Metro: Connecting Nearby Cities
In addition to the sleeper trains, Indian Railways is also set to launch the Vande Bharat Metro service. This service aims to connect nearby cities efficiently and comfortably. Initial routes for the Vande Bharat Metro include:
- Kanpur-Lucknow
- Delhi-Meerut
- Mumbai-Lonavla
- Varanasi-Prayagraj
- Puri-Bhubaneswar
- Agra-Mathura
Each coach in the Vande Bharat Metro will accommodate 250 passengers, providing a comfortable and fast travel option for commuters. The trial run for the Vande Bharat Metro will commence soon, further enhancing the connectivity of nearby cities.
The introduction of the Vande Bharat Sleeper and Metro trains marks a significant advancement in India’s rail transportation, promising greater comfort, speed, and efficiency for passengers.
