New Delhi: After the resounding success of the Vande Bharat Express, hailed as the fastest train in the country, anticipation is now building for its sleeper counterpart the Vande Bharat Sleeper. Rail enthusiasts and travelers alike are eagerly awaiting its debut. Let’s delve into the exciting details!
1. The Vande Bharat Sleeper: A Game-Changer
The Indian Railways Department is all set to introduce India’s first Vande Bharat Sleeper Train by the end of this year. This train, often referred to as the third iteration in the Vande Bharat series, promises to revolutionize long-distance travel. Unlike its predecessors, which focused on short-distance routes, the Vande Bharat Sleeper is designed for overnight journeys.
2. Behind the Scenes: Manufacturing and Testing
U Subba Rao, General Manager of the Integral Coach Factory (ICF) in Chennai, revealed the exciting news. The first Vande Bharat Sleeper train is slated to be ready within the next month. Manufacturing is underway at the Bharat Earth Movers Limited (BEML) plant in Bengaluru, with an expected completion date of September 20. Once integrated, the coaches will make their way to Chennai’s ICF.
Following this, the train will undergo rigorous testing. Rake manufacturing, final checks, and commissioning will take approximately 15-20 days. Subsequently, it will face mainline tests, including oscillation tests conducted by the Lucknow-based Railway Design and Standards Organization (RDSO). High-speed trial runs are also planned in the North Western Railway zone.
3. Luxurious Amenities for Passengers
The Vande Bharat Sleeper aims to provide passengers with a world-class experience akin to Europe’s Nightjet sleeper trains. Here’s what travelers can look forward to:
- LED Strips for Midnight Convenience: When the lights go off at night, LED strips under the stairs will guide passengers to the washrooms, ensuring a hassle-free journey.
- Dedicated Berth for Train Attendants: The train will feature a separate berth for the train attendant, enhancing service quality.
4. Berths and Coaches
The 16-coach Vande Bharat Sleeper train boasts a total of 823 berths, distributed across various classes:
- 11 AC 3-Tier Coaches (611 berths)
- 4 AC 2-Tier Coaches (188 berths)
- 1 First AC Coach (24 berths)
5. Collaborative Efforts
The Vande Bharat Sleeper is a joint effort by BEML and Hyderabad-based Medha Servo Drives Limited. Its design incorporates inputs from Poland-based European rail consultant, EC Engineering.
The Vande Bharat Sleeper is on track to redefine train travel, offering speed, comfort, and luxury.
