India's first Vande Bharat sleeper train..!? When will it arrive?
Railway
minister Ashwini Vaishnav has said that India's first Vande Bharat sleeper
train will arrive in six months. India's first Vande Bharat sleeper
train will be launched in six months, Union Railway
minister Ashwini Vaishnav said on
march 9. "Following the
success of Vande Bharat Chair
car, Namo-Bharat (rapid
rail transport system), Amrit Bharat
rail (push-in trains), grass technology," he said while unveiling BEML's Vande Bharat Sleeper Prototype
train car Body System in Bengaluru. A major milestone was the introduction of Vande Bharat Sleeper and Vande Metro. Vaishnav, the progress of the Vande Bharat sleeper version is promising. The new design is complete including the entire structure and roof. Vande Bharat Sleeper Edition will be equipped with advanced features like a special roof, improved
air conditioning, virus control mechanisms, and reduced jerks, noise, and vibrations, the
minister said. "Continuous improvements will be made to all three Vande formats along with Vande Sleeper, Vande Chair
car, and Vande Metro, Amrit Bharat
train based on feedback from passengers and staff," he said.
The Amrit Bharat
train running between Bengaluru and
malta in West
bengal is very successful. Boasting over 100 percent occupancy. He said that we are currently working on making 100 more Amrit Bharat trains. Shantanu Roy, President, and MD, BEML said, “Vande Bharat Sleeper trains designed by BEML prioritize both aesthetic appeal and functionality in their interiors, sleeper berths and exteriors. Integral Coach Factory (ICF) in
chennai placed an order with BEML Limited in May 2023 to design, manufacture, and operate 10 racks of 16-car Vande Bharat Sleeper Edition coaches. Rai said the trains will undergo necessary modifications to seamlessly transition from chair
car types to sleeper versions and ensure compliance with crashworthiness and
fire safety requirements. Vande Bharat sleeper trains will have facilities like hot water showers for 1st AC passengers and toilets for the
driver staff of the train.
The total number of cars per coach is 16, with a maximum operating speed of 160 kmph (180 kmph during testing). Some other key features include austenitic stainless steel
car bodies, crash-worthy features for passenger safety, best-in-class interiors with GFRP panels, aerodynamic exterior design, modular pantry, and
fire protection compliant with EN 45545 standards (Hazard Level: 03). Special facilities for disabled passengers include automatic external passenger doors, sensor-based intercom doors, remote-operated
fire doors at the end wall, an ergonomically designed odor-free toilet system, and integrated reading lights with USB charging arrangements. Other features include a public announcement and visual information systems, modern passenger amenities, and spacious luggage compartments.