The much-anticipated Vande Bharat Sleeper Train is on its way, bringing joy to travelers across India. After the success of the Vande Bharat Express, Indian Railways is now preparing to launch the sleeper variant of this high-speed train. According to officials, the first Vande Bharat Sleeper Train is expected to be rolled out by the end of this year, marking the third installment in the Vande Bharat series.
The new sleeper train will significantly improve overnight travel, offering passengers a world-class experience similar to Europe’s Nightjet Sleeper trains. The General Manager of the Integral Coach Factory (ICF) in Chennai, U. Subba Rao, has confirmed that the train will be ready by next month. He mentioned that production work is ongoing at Bharat Earth Movers Limited (BEML)’s Bengaluru plant and is expected to be completed by September 20, 2024.
India’s First Sleeper Variant of Vande Bharat Express
The Vande Bharat Sleeper Train is a part of Indian Railways' vision to enhance long-distance travel in India. The new sleeper trains will feature European-style designs, ensuring passengers enjoy a luxurious and comfortable journey, especially during night travel. The train will have special LED strips under the berths to help passengers navigate their way to the washrooms when the lights are off. This feature, along with separate berths for train staff, aims to create a hassle-free journey.
One first-class coach (24 berths), four second AC coaches (188 berths), 11 third AC coaches (611 berths) and 16-coach Sleeper (823 berths). The sleeper variant is expected to operate at a maximum speed of 160 kilometers per hour, making it one of the fastest sleeper trains in the country.
BEML and ICF’s Collaboration
The first Vande Bharat Sleeper Train is being produced through a collaboration between BEML Limited and the Integral Coach Factory (ICF) in Chennai. In May 2023, ICF awarded a contract to BEML to design and produce 10 train sets for the Vande Bharat Sleeper variant. The design input was provided by Poland-based European rail consultancy EC Engineering, while the train’s drives are being supplied by Medha Servo Drives Limited, based in Hyderabad.
Subba Rao stated that assembling the BEML coaches is a meticulous process, and Indian Railways is committed to meeting the highest standards of safety and comfort. The coach assembly will be completed by September 20, following which the rakes will undergo final production, testing, and commissioning, which will take another 15 to 20 days. After that, the train will undergo mainline testing in the Northern Railway Zone, which will last for about two months. The train will also be subjected to oscillation trials under the supervision of the Lucknow-based Research Designs and Standards Organization (RDSO).
A Game-Changer for Overnight Train Travel
The introduction of the Vande Bharat Sleeper Train will revolutionize overnight train travel in India. Indian Railways aims to offer a premium travel experience comparable to Europe's top sleeper trains. With a design focused on passenger comfort, safety, and convenience, the Vande Bharat Sleeper Train is expected to be a popular choice for long-distance travelers. The train's European standards will ensure that it meets the highest quality benchmarks.
Subba Rao explained that as this is the first sleeper variant of the Vande Bharat series, the manufacturing process is taking longer than usual. However, the train is expected to meet all European standards and will be operational by December 2024, after the completion of all necessary tests.
Indian Railways has ambitious plans to expand the Vande Bharat series, and the upcoming sleeper variant is a key part of this expansion. Once operational, this train is expected to provide passengers with a comfortable and world-class journey, setting new benchmarks for Indian train travel.
The Vande Bharat Sleeper Train will usher in a new era of luxury and convenience for overnight journeys, offering travelers a state-of-the-art experience on India's railway network.
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