Indian Railways Plans 10 New Vande Bharat Sleeper Trains: Field Trials to Begin Soon
Indian Railways Plans 10 New Vande Bharat Sleeper Trains: Field Trials to Begin Soon
Prototype production complete; trials in Khajuraho to assess performance and safety standards.
Indian Railways is making strides toward launching Vande Bharat sleeper trains for long-distance travel, with plans already in motion to manufacture 200 sleeper rakes. Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw recently announced that the first prototype of the Vande Bharat sleeper train has been produced and is set for field trials to evaluate key aspects like stability, vibration levels, and dynamic performance under various load conditions. The trials will be conducted in Khajuraho, Madhya Pradesh, under the guidance of the Research Design and Standards Organisation (RDSO).
Currently, 10 Vande Bharat sleeper trains are under production, complementing the 136 operational Vande Bharat services designed for short- and medium-distance routes. These services have seen immense popularity, with an overall occupancy rate exceeding 100% as of October 2024.
The Integral Coach Factory (ICF) has already dispatched the inaugural sleeper train for its trial runs, with the timeline for the broader rollout dependent on the successful completion of these trials. The sleeper trains aim to enhance passenger comfort on long journeys, bringing the same world-class travel experience that Vande Bharat Express trains are known for.
Beyond the sleeper train initiative, Indian Railways has been working to improve accessibility and infrastructure at stations. By November 2024, 1,512 escalators and 1,607 lifts were installed across 399 and 609 stations, respectively, a significant improvement compared to previous years. Additionally, Vande Bharat trains have been designed with features like automatic doors, Braille signage, and dedicated wheelchair spaces to ensure inclusivity for passengers with disabilities.
The Vande Bharat sleeper train project is expected to further revolutionize rail travel in India, offering seamless and comfortable options for both short- and long-distance commuters.
