India's first Vande Bharat sleeper train to roll out in six months: Ashwini Vaishnaw

Vande Bharat sleeper train

Union railway minister Ashwini Vaishnaw on March 9 said that India's first Vande Bharat sleeper train will be be rolled out in six months.

Speaking after unveiling the Vande Bharat sleeper prototype train car body structure manufactured by BEML in Bengaluru, he said, "Following the success of the Vande Bharat chair car, Namo-Bharat (rapid rail transit system), Amrit Bharat train (trains on push-pull technology), the next major step is the introduction of Vande Bharat sleeper and Vande Metro."

Vaishnaw said progress on the Vande Bharat sleeper version is promising, with a new design completed, including the entire structure and roof. "Furnishing will commence shortly, and we expect completion within the next six months."

Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw asked a worker at BEML to cut the ribbon to inaugurate the Vande Bharat sleeper prototype train carbody structure manufactured by BEML in Bengaluru.

The minister said Vande Bharat sleeper version will be equipped with advanced features such as special roofing, enhanced air conditioning, virus control mechanisms, reduced jerks, noise, and vibrations. "Continuous improvements will be made based on passenger and staff feedback for all three Vande formats: Vande sleeper, Vande chair car, and Vande Metro, along with the Amrit Bharat train," he said.

Furnishing of Vande Sleeper started! pic.twitter.com/itYaSQyNG2

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— Ashwini Vaishnaw (मोदी का परिवार) (@AshwiniVaishnaw) March 9, 2024

He said Amrit Bharat train operating between Bengaluru and Malda in West Bengal has been highly successful, boasting more than 100 percent occupancy. "We are currently in the process of manufacturing an additional 100 Amrit Bharat trains," he said.

Also, read: Bengaluru to get non-AC Amrit Bharat train to Malda; Vande Bharat to Coimbatore

BEML chairman and MD Shantanu Roy said, "Vande Bharat Sleeper trains, designed by BEML, prioritise both aesthetic appeal and functionality in their interiors, sleeper berths, and exteriors."

The Integral Coach Factory (ICF) in Chennai placed an order with BEML Limited in May 2023 for the design, manufacture, and commissioning of 10 rakes of 16-car Vande Bharat sleeper version trainsets. Roy said that these trains would undergo necessary modifications to seamlessly transition from chair car variants to sleeper versions, ensuring compliance with crashworthiness and fire safety requirements.

Features of Vande Bharat sleeper version

Vande Bharat sleeper trains will feature amenities such as hot water shower for 1st AC passengers and a toilet for the train's driving crew. The total number of cars per train set is 16, with a maximum operational speed of 160 kmph (180 kmph during testing).

Some other key features will include austenitic stainless steel car bodies, crash-worthy features for passenger safety, best-in-class interiors with GFRP panels, aerodynamic exterior design, modular pantry, fire safety compliant with EN 45545 standards (hazard level: 03), special facilities for differently-abled passengers, automatic exterior passenger doors, sensor-based intercommunication doors, remotely operated fire barrier doors at the end wall, ergonomically designed odor-free toilet system, and integrated reading lights with USB charging provisions. Public announcement and visual information systems, modern passenger amenities, and spacious luggage rooms are among its other features.

Also, read: Karnataka: 2nd Vande Bharat train on Bengaluru-Chennai route; new VB train to Kalaburagi