Lagatar24 Desk
Bengaluru: The much-anticipated Vande Bharat sleeper coach was officially unveiled by Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw on Sunday at the BEML facility in Bengaluru. The newly developed sleeper coach, designed for long-distance overnight journeys, will undergo a 10-day trial period before being subjected to further rigorous testing on the tracks.
Highlighting the progress, Minister Vaishnaw stated, “Following the success of Vande Bharat chair cars, we have now developed Vande Bharat sleeper coaches. The manufacturing phase is complete, and the train will begin its testing journey today from the BEML facility.” The Minister also inspected the coach and engaged with the railway staff responsible for its design and production, who emphasized significant advancements in speed, safety, and passenger amenities compared to existing sleeper coaches.
The Vande Bharat sleeper train is expected to be operational for passengers within the next three months, according to Vaishnaw. Once the prototype successfully passes all tests, production will begin, with plans to produce two to three trains each month after an initial one-and-a-half-year production period.
The sleeper version of the Vande Bharat train is engineered for overnight journeys covering distances between 800 to 1,200 kilometers. It will feature 16 coaches, including 11 AC three-tier, four AC two-tier, and one AC first-class coach, providing a total of 823 berths. The train is designed to run at speeds of up to 160 kmph and includes advanced safety features, such as crash-worthy design elements.
In addition to safety, the sleeper coach is equipped with modern amenities, including integrated reading lights with USB charging, public announcement and visual information systems, modular pantries, and special facilities for differently-abled passengers. The first AC coach will also offer showers with hot water to enhance comfort on long journeys.
Addressing the affordability of the service, Vaishnaw mentioned that the Vande Bharat sleeper trains are designed for middle-class travelers, with fares expected to be comparable to those of the Rajdhani Express. “Our goal is to provide a comfortable yet affordable travel experience,” he added.
