This story is from January 16, 2025
Vande Bharat sleeper vs Rajdhani Express trains: Indian Railways is all set to roll out the first prototype of the Vande Bharat sleeper train in August. The new Vande Bharat sleeper trains are said to be superior to Rajdhani Express trains and are being manufactured with an aim to change overnight passenger travel in terms of speed and comfort. So, how will the Vande Bharat sleeper be better than the Rajdhani Express and what can passengers look forward to? We take a look at 10 key factors:
Vande Bharat Sleeper vs Rajdhani speed: Vande Bharat sleeper, a 160 kmph train set, allows for faster acceleration and deceleration. This will increase the average speed of the train and reduce the overall travel time compared to Rajdhani Express trains. (Concept image)
Vande Bharat Sleeper vs Rajdhani: Vande Bharat sleeper trains will have berths with better cushioning compared to Rajdhani. Indian Railways is also looking to provide extra cushioning on the side of each berth for better sleep comfort. (Concept image)
Vande Bharat Sleeper vs Rajdhani: Unlike the Rajdhani Express trains, Vande Bharat sleeper will be a self-propelled train set, with a driver cabin at each end. This means that unlike the Rajdhani Express trains, it will not require a locomotive to pull it, hence also reducing the turnaround time at end stations. (Concept image)
Vande Bharat Sleeper vs Rajdhani: According to railway officials, Vande Bharat sleeper trains will offer jerk-free smooth rides to passengers, much better than the Rajdhani trains because of different couplers and design. (Concept image)
Vande Bharat Sleeper vs Rajdhani: Keeping in mind the comfort of passengers, the Vande Bharat sleeper train will have a better designed ladder for passengers compared to Rajdhani to easily access the upper and middle berths. (Concept image)
Vande Bharat Sleeper vs Rajdhani: The Vande Bharat sleeper train set, like its chair car version, will have fully sealed gangways for a dust-free environment and better air-conditioning. (Concept image)
Vande Bharat Sleeper vs Rajdhani: Vande Bharat sleeper trains will have automatic entry & exit doors for passengers, controlled by the driver and also automatic interconnecting doors between coaches. (Concept image)
Vande Bharat Sleeper vs Rajdhani: Railway sources have told TOI that the Vande Bharat sleeper train will be more ‘crashworthy’ than Rajdhani Express trains in case of an untoward accident. This crashworthiness will be achieved with front and intermediate side crash buffers, and front and intermediate couplers with deformation tubes. (Concept image)
Vande Bharat sleeper vs Rajdhani: Sources told TOI that the Vande Bharat sleeper train will have superior fire safety standards compared to Rajdhani trains. The fire safety system will meet the EN 45545 HL3 fire safety standard, with all non-metallic components also adhering to this standard. Vande Bharat sleeper features a fire barrier wall meeting E30 integrity for luggage compartments, preventing fire spread to the saloon and cab areas. Each car is equipped with a fire barrier end wall door (E15) to stop the spread of fire between cars. Additionally, the system provides fire integrity and insulation for up to 15 minutes to prevent fire spread from the under-frame. (Concept image)