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.