This story is from April 16, 2024
Vande Bharat Sleeper train: When will Indian Railways launch a sleeper version of the Vande Bharat Express? Various Indian Railways projects are in the works for rolling out a Vande Bharat sleeper variant in the coming months. According to various reports, Vande Bharat sleeper prototype will be ready in the coming 3-6 months. The new Indian Railways train is expected to change the face of overnight train travel in India with features and comforts better than Rajdhani Express. Let’s take a look at the top features of the new Vande Bharat sleeper and the various projects in works to roll out hundreds of sleeper Vande Bharat trains in the coming years: (Concept image)
Vande Bharat sleeper: The first prototype of the Vande Bharat sleeper is likely to be rolled out by BEML in collaboration with ICF Chennai sometime this year. Yet another project in the works is a tie-up between India’s RVNL and Russia’s TMH through an SPV called Kinet. Depending on production timelines and approvals from the Ministry of Railways, the first prototype of that project may roll out in 2025. Additionally, ICF Chennai and RCF Kapurthala are also working to manufacture a Vande Bharat sleeper train. (Concept image)
Vande Bharat sleeper exterior: The BEML version of Vande Bharat sleeper, which is currently under manufacturing, will have a front fascia design inspired by the "prowess of eagles," featuring sleek lines and a "fierce aura." (Concept image)
The prototype of the Vande Bharat sleeper train will consist of a 16-coach train set, comprising 11 AC 3-tier coaches, 4 AC 2-tier coaches, and one AC 1st class coach. With a total berth capacity of 823 passengers, it will accommodate 611 in AC 3 tier, 188 in AC 2 tier, and 24 in AC 1st. (Concept image by Kinet, awaiting approval from Indian Railways)
Vande Bharat sleeper: The Vande Bharat sleeper coaches will prioritize passenger comfort with additional cushioning along the side of each berth. The interior design of the under manufacturing prototype will feature soothing tones of cream, yellow, and wood, creating a pleasant ambiance. Furthermore, the train will be equipped with a redesigned ladder to facilitate easy access to the upper and middle berths for passengers. (Concept image)
The upcoming Vande Bharat sleeper train will incorporate several notable features. These include sensor-based lighting in communal spaces, energy-efficient overhead lighting, and improved night lighting facilitated by floor strips for enhanced movement in the aisle areas. (Concept image)
The Vande Bharat Express sleeper will include sensor-based inter-communication doors, noise insulation, and measures to reduce noise for a quieter cabin environment. Additionally, it will feature special berths and toilets for differently-abled passengers, as well as automatic exterior passenger doors, among other amenities. (Concept image)
The Vande Bharat sleeper trains will be designed to feature top-notch amenities, surpassing the comfort standards of Rajdhani Express trains. The new train sets will provide passengers with smooth and jerk-free rides at speeds of 160 kmph. The distributed power train sets engineering is expected to minimize jerks, vibrations, and noises. (Concept image by Kinet, awaiting approval from Indian Railways)
Vande Bharat sleeper: Like their chair car counterparts, the Vande Bharat sleeper trains will be self-propelled train sets with distributed power, removing the necessity for a locomotive to pull the train. These trains, capable of reaching speeds of 160 kmph, will offer quicker acceleration and deceleration, resulting in faster travel and reduced transit time for passengers. Vande Bharat chair car trains can achieve a speed of 100 kmph in under a minute. (Concept image by Kinet, subject to approval from Indian Railways)
Vande Bharat sleeper trains by criteria defined by Indian Railways will be superior to the premium Rajdhani and Tejas Express trains. The aim is to offer world-class passenger amenities and comforts to passengers for long distance overnight travel. (Concept image by Kinet, awaiting approval from Indian Railways)