Vande Bharat sleeper train completes Mumbai-Ahmedabad trial run, railway board to decide its deployment route

The Vande Bharat sleeper train had already achieved a peak speed of 180 kmph during multiple trials conducted over the last three days.

The Vande Bharat sleeper train successfully completed its trial run between Mumbai Central and Ahmedabad on Wednesday.

However, the railway board will decide its deployment route.

During the 130kmph trial run, the train reached Mumbai Central at 1.50pm after departing Ahmedabad at 7.29am. It left for Ahmedabad from Mumbai Central at 2:45 pm.

According to a Times of India report, after analysis, the final certificate will be issued by Research Designs & Standards Organisation (RDSO).

The RDSO is supervising these trials, after which the train will be evaluated by the railway safety commissioner at its maximum speed.

The Vande Bharat sleeper trains will receive official certification and be handed over to Indian Railways for regular service only after passing the final assessment.

The Vande Bharat sleeper train had already achieved a peak speed of 180 kmph during multiple trials conducted over the last three days.

The certificate would be issued next week, after which the railway board would make the final decision on its deployment in services and the route.

During the current trials, the sleeper train clocked a peak speed of 180 kmph on Jan 2, during a 30-km run between Kota and Laban in Rajasthan's Bundi district. On Jan 1, it reached 180 kmph over a 40-km stretch between Rohal Khurd and Kota, and speeds of 170 kmph and 160 kmph on the Kota-Nagda and Rohal Khurd-Chau Mahla sections, respectively.

There are 11 AC-3 tier coaches, 4 AC-2 tier coaches, and 1 First AC coach, all equipped with advanced features such as separate charging ports for Type A and C devices, a foldable snack table, an integrated lighting system, and a laptop charging setup, in the 16-coach train.

The 1st AC coach has 24 seats, while the 2nd AC coaches have 48 seats each.

Among the 3rd AC coaches, five have 67 seats each, and four have 55 seats each.

For passenger convenience, the train features a combined gangway for smooth movement, dog boxes at both ends, adequate linen storage space, and 38 special seats for attendants.

All coaches are HL3-compliant for fire safety and equipped with Braille navigation to assist visually impaired passengers.