Vande Bharat sleeper coaches unveiled | Fusion - WeRIndia

Good news for train passengers. Now, overnight train journeys in India have set to become more comfortable with the introduction of the Vande Bharat sleeper coaches.

Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, along with Minister of State for Railways V Somanna, unveiled the prototype on September 1 at BEML’s Bengaluru facility.

These sleeper coaches are designed to provide a premium experience at a price comparable to Rajdhani Express fares.

Vaishnaw emphasized that the ticket prices would be affordable for middle-class families, benchmarked to Rajdhani.

Passenger operations for the Vande Bharat sleeper trains are expected to begin within three months following trial runs.

The trains are intended for overnight journeys covering distances between 800 and 1,200 kilometres.

Each train will feature separate berths for attendants, air-conditioned cabins for loco pilots, and advanced safety and comfort measures. Some of them include virus control mechanisms and reduced noise and vibrations.

The Integral Coach Factory in Chennai placed an order with BEML Limited in May 2023 for 10 rakes of 16-car Vande Bharat sleeper train sets.

These trains will have a maximum operational speed of 160 km/h and will feature 823 berths across three classes: 3AC, 2AC, and 1AC.

BEML will soon dispatch the first train to ICF, where it will undergo final testing and commissioning before mainline trials begin.

The Vande Bharat sleeper trains will offer amenities similar to those found on aircraft. Each berth will come with reading lights, charging sockets, and snack tables.

First AC passengers will have access to hot water showers. In addition, these trains will also have facilities like dog boxes, LED lights for nighttime use, and advanced pantry equipment.

Additional features include stainless steel car bodies, crash-worthy safety measures, fire safety compliance, and facilities for differently-abled passengers.

With these enhancements, the Vande Bharat sleeper trains promise to redefine overnight rail travel in India.

Image Credit: Harshul12345, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Image Reference: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Gandhinagar_Capital_-_Mumbai_Central_(20902)_Vande_Bharat_Express.jpg