Vande Bharat: Pioneering India’s Rail Revolution with Comfort, Connectivity, and Cutting-Edge Design!
As we know, last year, in October, Ashwini Vaishnaw announced on X that the basic design for the Vande Bharat sleeper train was approved and that production of the train sets had commenced. He highlighted the transformative impact of the Vande Bharat sleeper, along with the Amrit Bharat and Namo Bharat tarins, on the passenger experience.
In the year 2022 November, Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated a Vande Bhart train that connects Chennai to Mysuru via Bengaluru, which is the first Vande Bharat express service in South India. Since then, Bengaluru has become a hub for Vande Bharat express services, with trains now operating to various destinations, including Dharwad, Belagavi, Hubballi, Chennai, Coimbatore, Mysuru, and Hyderabad.
The development in train services reflected the commitment of the Government is enhancing railway infrastructure and passenger comfort across the country, which creates enjoyable travel experience. The ongoing development in the Vande Bharat project demonstrates India’s dedication to modernizing its rail network and promotes home grown innovation in transportation.
🚆 Russian rail giant #TMH isn't just manufacturing sleeper coaches of Vande Bharat- they're planning to make india their global export hub!
With $200M investment & eyes on EMUs, Metro and Sleeper Coaches, TMH aims to make India into a railway manufacturing powerhouse
Coming… pic.twitter.com/oyzVrrLNR4
— Akash Sharma (@kaidensharmaa) November 24, 2024
Vande Bharat Sleeper: India’s Next-Level Overnight Journey with Unmatched Comfort, Speed, and Safety!
Indian Railways has introduced the sleeper coaches in Vande Bharat Express, which promises to surpass the Rajdhani Express in passenger comfort, speed, and safety. The Railway Minister of India Ashwini Vaishnaw, has unveiled this new sleeper train, developed on the Vande Bharat train by BEML, is set to be launched in the coming months. Curious about its appearance and interior?
The Vande Bharat Sleeper train is designed with a maximum operating speed of 160km/h and can reach a testing speed of 180 km/h.
Vande Bharat Sleeper Coach is a prototype of the sleeper version of this advanced train; this futuristic Vande Bharat sleeper train has already created a buzz with exclusive first-look images. India plans to introduce seven Vande Bharat trains to elevate the experience of overnight train travel with enhanced comfort and cutting-edge features that surpass those of the Rajdhani Express.
The government has proclaimed that the Vande Bharat sleeper train will undergo widespread testing to ensure maximum safety before it is made available to the public. According to Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, the coach will face rigorous trials over a 10-day period before being tested further on the tracks. This new sleeper model is anticipated to exceed the Rajdhani Express in terms of passenger comfort and amenities.
Design and Features of Sleeper Coaches
The Vande Bharat Sleeper train is developed by BEML which features an elegant design and cutting-edge features aimed at providing comfort to the passenger and the travel experience. The infrastructure of the Vande Bharat sleeper train is designed by the “prowess of eagles.” the train’s exterior and it has streamlined fascia which is both sophistication as well as a powerful.
The central concern of the Vande Bharat sleeper coach is to provide their passenger comfort. Therefore, each berth of this train is equipped with extra cushioning, and also, in order to access the middle and upper berth, an improved ladder is designed. Also, the color palette shifts away from traditional Indian railways’ blue and adopts soothing tones of cream, yellow, and wood for a modern, calming atmosphere.
Also, in order to enhance innovations, support sustainable energy6, and at the same time increase the convenience of the passenger, this train is designed with a sensor-based lighting system that illuminates the common areas and provides nighttime movement in the aisles.
This train also aims to provide a quieter, more peaceful journey and is therefore designed with noise insulation, inter-communication doors, and noise-canceling technology, which suggestively helps to reduce the cabin noise. Moreover, this design is specifically designed berth for differently-abled passengers and automatic external doors for safe entry as well as exit.
Another hallmark of the Vande Bharat sleeper train is to provide a jerk-free ride with the aim to outperform the comfort standards of the Rajdhani Express. Also, this train features advanced engineering to reduce jerks and vibrations at high speeds of up to 160n km/h, which utilizes a self-propelled design with distributed power that reduces the need for a separate engine.
Also, in terms of maintaining hygiene, the Vande Bharat sleeper coach introduces bio-vacuum toilets, which have been incorporated into the aircraft with modular fittings and washbasins designed to prevent water spillage. Also, in this train, the AC first Class includes water showers, which suggestively enhances comfort for long distance travel. These trains present a new era of innovation and passenger-centered design in Indian Railways.
Also, this train features advanced safety, which includes designed crash buffers and couplers in order to enhance the crashworthiness. The materials used in its construction in order to meet the highest safety standards. Moreover, this train is engineered for a smooth ride, which maintains dust dust-free environment and also enhances air conditioning.
Production and Cost Analysis
Category | Details |
Production Timeline | – Prototype unveiled: October 2024 – Commissioning scheduled: November 15, 2024 |
Production Cost | – Prototype cost: 120 crore – Estimated cost for a 16-coach train: 120 crore |
Technical Specifications | – Design: 16-coach, fully air-conditioned sleeper rake – Configuration: 1 AC 1st, 4 AC 2-tier, 11 AC 3-tier – Total berth capacity: 823 |
Speed | – Maximum operational speed: 160 km/h – Testing speed: 180 km/h |
Funding and Investment | – Total planned production: 102 Vande Bharat Rakes (75 Chair Car, 27 Sleeper) – Order for 80 sleeper class trains: 96 crore |
Future Outlook | – Expected to set new benchmarks for long-distance travel – Expansion to additional routes planned |
Challenges | – Rigorous testing and trials for safety – Infrastructure readiness for speed and weight requirements |
Testing and Launch Timeline
Vande Bharat sleeper coaches were unveiled in October 2024, with commissioning scheduled for November 15, 2024. The train unveiling the train will undergo rigorous trials and tests over a 10-day period to evaluate its performance, safety features, and passenger comfort.
Once testing is completed successfully, mass production is expected to start, with the aim to roll out two to three sleeper trains monthly after the initial production phase of one-and-a-half years. The first trains are anticipated to be operational by 2025, which will transform the experience of the passenger in long-distance travel. Indian Railway modernizes its fleet while prioritizing the safety of the passengers and comfort in the sleeper coach service.
Ticket pricing and market positioning
The ticket pricing and market positioning of the Vande Bharat train introduced sleeper coaches are expected to reflect a premium, and it is also an affordable option for long-distance train travel.
While official pricing is pending, fares are expected to be positioned between those of Rajdhani Express and regular sleeper trains, imitating the train’s upgraded amenities and speed.
Vande Bharat sleeper coaches aim to fascinate a mix of business and leisure travelers, comprising those who prefer security and premium amenities. With features designed to improve passenger comfort, such as jerk-free rides, progressive air conditioning, and energy-efficient lighting, the train will appeal to those seeking a raised travel experience at a reasonable cost.
Positioned as an upgrade over the Rajdhani Express, the sleeper coaches will cater to both Indian and potential worldwide travelers associate Indian Railways’ ambitions to set a new standard in long-distance rail travel.
FAQ
What is the Vande Bharat sleeper train?
A premium sleeper version of the Vande Bharat Express designed for long-distance travel.
When is the Vande Bharat sleeper train launching?
The prototype debuted in October 2024, with commissioning expected mid-November 2024.
What is the top speed of the Vande Bharat sleeper?
It operates up to 160 km/h, with a tested speed of 180 km/h.
How does the Vande Bharat sleeper compare to Rajdhani Express?
It offers superior comfort, speed, and safety compared to the Rajdhani.
What unique features does the sleeper coach have?
Features include extra cushioning, noise insulation, sensor-based lighting, and bio-vacuum toilets.
Is there a special design for differently-abled passengers?
Yes, it includes accessible berths and automatic doors for easy entry and exit.
How many berths are in a Vande Bharat sleeper coach?
Each train has a total of 823 berths.
What is the expected fare for the sleeper coach?
Fares are anticipated to be between Rajdhani Express and regular sleeper trains.
When will mass production begin?
Mass production is set to begin in 2025, with trains gradually rolling out