Watch: Vande Bharat Sleeper Express Clocks 180 km/h Speed During Trials; Luxury Ride Coming Soon
Trials Underway To Launch Affordable Amrut Bharat Express From Pune To North India
The high-speed sleeper train is undergoing rigorous trials on the Delhi-Mumbai track, promising enhanced passenger comfort and convenience.
The Vande Bharat Sleeper Express has reached a top speed of 180 km/h during its trials, making headlines as Indian Railways prepares to launch the luxury sleeper version of the popular Vande Bharat trains. Under the supervision of the Lucknow-based Research Design and Standards Organization (RDSO), trials began on December 31 along the Delhi-Mumbai railway route within the Kota Railway Division.
Senior Divisional Commercial Manager (DCM) of Kota Railway Division, Saurabh Jain, confirmed that the train has been tested at various speeds, starting from 130 km/h, progressively increasing to 180 km/h. The trials, conducted with passenger-equivalent weight, included rigorous testing of the braking system, air suspension, and coupler force. According to Jain, these trials are expected to continue for another month, after which a detailed report will be submitted to the Ministry of Railways and the Railway Board.
The train’s third day of trials saw it being tested over a 30-kilometer stretch between Kota and Laban, achieving speeds of up to 180 km/h. On January 1, the train clocked 160 km/h on the Kota-Nagda section and 177 km/h between Rohal Khurd and Vikramgarh. Railway officials reported that speed trials were conducted across different sections to assess brake performance under varying operating conditions.
Indian Railways Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, who unveiled the Vande Bharat Sleeper Express earlier, hinted at an early 2025 launch during its initial announcement. Once introduced, the Vande Bharat Sleeper trains will redefine long-distance travel by offering world-class comfort and modern amenities.
The Ministry of Railways is currently evaluating route proposals, with potential routes including New Delhi-Pune and New Delhi-Srinagar. The train’s launch is expected to boost long-distance rail travel by combining speed, luxury, and convenience for passengers across the country.
