Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw has officially unveiled the Vande Bharat sleeper train, a new addition to Indian Railways, set to be launched in the coming months. Manufactured by BEML, this train is built on the Vande Bharat platform and is expected to surpass the Rajdhani Express in terms of passenger amenities, speed, and safety.
A Glimpse of the Vande Bharat Sleeper Train
The Vande Bharat sleeper train is designed to operate at a maximum speed of 160 kmph, with testing speeds reaching 180 kmph. As a self-propelled train set, it offers faster acceleration and deceleration, which will enhance its average speed compared to the Rajdhani Express.
The prototype of the Vande Bharat sleeper train will feature 16 coaches, including 11 AC 3-tier coaches with 611 berths, 4 AC 2-tier coaches with 188 berths, and 1 AC First Class coach with 24 berths.
According to Indian Railways and BEML, the Vande Bharat sleeper train represents a significant advancement in India’s rail capabilities. Officials say that the train will provide a passenger experience comparable to European standards, with world-class features and best-in-class interiors.
The train’s interiors boast GFRP panels, automatic exterior doors, sensor-based inter-communication doors, and spacious luggage rooms. Additionally, it offers passenger-friendly features such as integrated reading lights with USB charging, special berths and toilets for differently-abled passengers, modular pantries, and security cameras. The AC First Class coach even includes showers with hot water.
Passengers can expect superior berth comfort compared to the Rajdhani Express, with extra cushioning and redesigned ladders for accessing upper berths. The Vande Bharat sleeper train is also equipped with ergonomically designed, odor-free vacuum toilets with modular fittings.
The Vande Bharat sleeper train is equipped with advanced safety features, including specially designed crash buffers and couplers to maximize passenger protection. All materials and components used in the train meet the highest fire safety standards.
Future Launch and Fare Expectations
The Vande Bharat sleeper train is expected to undergo extensive testing in the coming months before being introduced for passenger operations. Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw indicated that the fares for this new train will be on par with the Rajdhani Express, catering to middle-class passengers. While the routes have yet to be finalized, the train is expected to significantly reduce travel times on key routes like Delhi-Mumbai and Delhi-Kolkata.
With inputs from agencies
Image Source: Multiple agencies
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