First Vande Bharat Sleeper Train to Launch in Karnataka Within Three Months: Vaishnaw

Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw announced on Sunday that the first Vande Bharat sleeper train will start passenger operations within three months. He revealed this after unveiling the prototype of the sleeper coach at the Bharat Earth Movers Limited (BEML) facility. The new sleeper train, designed with enhanced facilities, aims to transform long-distance travel across the country by offering a world-class travel experience and superior amenities.

“After the Vande Bharat Chair cars, we were working on the Vande Bharat sleeper cars. Its manufacturing has now been completed. The train will go out for trial and testing from the BEML facility today. The coach will undergo a rigorous 10-day trial before hitting the tracks for further testing,’’ quoted the railway minister.

The fully air-conditioned train, featuring 823 berths, is designed for the middle class, with fares set to be comparable to those of the Rajdhani Express, he noted. Providing a timeline, he added, “After comprehensive testing of the prototype, production will begin, with plans to introduce two to three trains each month following an initial production period of one and a half years.” Additionally, the railway minister inaugurated a 9.2-acre hangar facility dedicated to the export of standard and broad-gauge rolling stock.

Vaishnaw also visited the Railway Training Institute, where he interacted with trainees and shared a meal with them. Minister of State for Railways V. Somanna and Railway Board CEO and Chairman Satish Kumar were also present.

Special Features

According to an official release, the Vande Bharat sleeper train will operate at a maximum speed of 160 km/h. It is equipped with advanced safety features, including crashworthy buffers and couplers and stringent fire safety standards (EN45545 HL3).

The sleeper coach was developed in a record nine months. Shantanu Roy, Chairman and Managing Director of BEML, remarked, “This project is a landmark in modern India’s transportation infrastructure, destined to be remembered by future generations.” The train will consist of 16 coaches: 11 three-tier (611 berths), four two-tier (188 berths), and one first-class coach (24 berths).

Amenities

- AC cars with showers and hot water

- Air-conditioned loco-cabin with separate toilets for the driving crew

- Sensor-based inter-communication doors

- Integrated reading lights with USB charging

- Spacious luggage compartments

- Stainless steel trainsets

- Modular pantry with an oven

- Special berths and toilets for differently-abled passengers

- Remotely operated fire barrier doors at the end walls