​Exclusive: First images of Vande Bharat sleeper AC 1st, AC 2-tier and AC 3-tier coaches out! Top 10 features, pics of new Indian Railways train

Vande Bharat sleeper launch, features & images: Indian Railways is all set to roll out the new Vande Bharat sleeper train in the coming months. The first prototype of the new train, which is said to be better than the Rajdhani Express, has been manufactured by BEML in collaboration with ICF. What does the Vande Bharat sleeper train look like? What do the AC 1st class, AC 2 tier and AC 3 tier look like and what are the new passenger friendly features? TOI brings you an exclusive sneak peek into Indian Railways’ new Vande Bharat sleeper train & lists its top features:

Vande Bharat sleeper coaches: The first prototype Vande Bharat sleeper train has 16 coaches. Of these 11 are AC 3 tier coaches, 4 are AC 2 tier coaches and 1 is an AC First class coach.

Vande Bharat Sleeper AC 1st: This is the AC 1st coach of the Vande Bharat sleeper and boasts of several passenger comforts such as cushioned berths, easy access ladder to the upper berth, personalised reading lights, mobile and laptop charging sockets, snack table and more.

Vande Bharat Sleeper AC 1st Toilet: The Vande Bharat sleeper train’s AC 1st coach has a modular vacuum toilet with plush sanitary fittings. It also has a shower area for passengers with the provision for hot water.

Vande Bharat Sleeper: Taking cues from European trains for superior passenger comfort, the Vande Bharat sleeper train will have modern passenger amenities. The berths in the new train will have extra cushioning for a comfortable travel experience. The image is of the the AC 2-tier coach of the new Vande Bharat sleeper.

Vande Bharat Sleeper Speed: The all new Vande Bharat sleeper train will offer a superior ride comfort as compared to the Rajdhani Express trains. It will also have a better average speed aided by the train’s faster acceleration and deceleration. The train will run at a maximum operational speed of 160 kmph, whereas its testing speed is 180 kmph. This image is of the Vande Bharat sleeper AC 2-tier coach.

Vande Bharat Sleeper Features: The new train will have special night lighting for the convenience of passengers, public announcement and visual information systems, CCTV cameras, modular pantries and more among other features.

Vande Bharat Sleeper Rides: Indian Railways aims to offer its passengers jerk-free comfortable rides with the new Vande Bharat sleeper train. It has also been made safer with ‘crashworthy’ elements that will aim to prevent grievous injuries in case of an untoward accident. This image is of the AC 3-tier coach of Vande Bharat sleeper.

Vande Bharat Sleeper Special Facts: There will be automatic interconnecting doors in each coach and the gangways will be fully sealed for a dust-free environment and better air-conditioning. This is an image of the Vande Bharat sleeper AC 2-tier coach.

Vande Bharat sleeper interiors: Indian Railways has said that the Vande Bharat sleeper train will have ‘best-in-class’ interiors with GFRP panels. The exterior doors will also be automatic, opening only when the train arrives at a station. The train will also have redesigned ladder for climbing onto upper berths.

Vande Bharat Sleeper Toilet: Vande Bharat sleeper trains will have modular bio-vacuum toilets, similar to aircrafts. One toilet will also be disabled friendly, with a provision for a nappy changing table for toddlers.

Vande Bharat sleeper train set: Similar to the Vande Bharat chair car version, the Vande Bharat sleeper is also a self-propelled train set which doesn’t require a locomotive to haul it. The train has a driver cabin at each end, hence eliminating the need for locomotive reversal at terminating stations.

Vande Bharat sleeper routes: The new Vande Bharat sleeper train first prototype will undergo extensive testing over the next 3 months before being launched for passenger operations. In the past, Indian Railways has indicated that the Vande Bharat sleeper will help introduce faster train journeys on key Golden Quadrilateral routes.

Vande Bharat Sleeper Launch Date: As indicated by Indian Railways, the Vande Bharat sleeper train will undergo extensive trials by RDSO before being put into passenger service. The train is expected to be ready to enter commercial operations by early 2025. (PTI photo)