Indian Railways to start trial run of Vande Bharat sleeper trains on August 15

Indian Railways is poised to introduce Vande Bharat sleeper trains in the next two months and this innovative train is expected to hit the tracks for trial runs by August 15.

Vande Bharat sleeper trains are expected to be much better than Rajdhani Express trains and Tejas Express trains, and also faster than Shatabdi express trains.

According to a report in The Times of India, along with the Vande Bharat sleeper trains, Indian Railways is also preparing to launch the Vande Metro, designed for short-distance intercity travel, with trial runs commencing shortly thereafter. Currently, BEML is manufacturing the first prototype.

Meanwhile, Railways Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw on Saturday announced that Indian Railways aims to deploy approximately 250 units of Vande Bharat sleeper trains by 2029.

Vande Bharat sleeper trains features

• The Vande Bharat sleeper prototype will consist of 16 coaches: 11 AC 3-tier coaches, 4 AC 2-tier coaches, and 1 AC 1st class coach.
• It will accommodate a total of 823 passengers, including 611 in AC 3-tier, 188 in AC 2-tier, and 24 in AC 1st class.
• The berths will feature extra cushioning, surpassing that of Rajdhani Express trains, ensuring a comfortable travel experience.
• The interior of the Vande Bharat sleeper will adopt a soothing color scheme with shades of cream, yellow, and wood, creating a pleasant ambiance.
• Improved ladder designs will facilitate easier access to upper and middle berths for passengers.
• Sensor-based lighting in common areas and energy-efficient overhead lighting will provide ample illumination.
• Aisle areas will be equipped with floor strips to ease movement during nighttime.
• Features will include sensor-based intercommunication doors, noise insulation for a silent saloon, special berths and toilets for differently-abled passengers, and automatic entry/exit doors.
• The train will employ semi-permanent couplers, akin to those used in existing Vande Bharat chair car trains, to minimise jerks and enhance passenger comfort.
• Fully sealed gangways will enable seamless movement between coaches, complemented by a well-regulated air-conditioning system ensuring a comfortable and dust-free environment.
• Inspired by the prowess of eagles, the exterior design will feature sleek lines and a fierce aura.
• As a semi-high-speed train, the Vande Bharat sleeper will achieve speeds up to 160 kmph, undergoing testing at speeds reaching up to 180 kmph.