Railway Minister unveils carbody structure of the Vande Bharat Sleeper Transit project

Bengaluru, India (Urban Transport News): In a groundbreaking move, Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw unveiled the car body structure of the Vande Bharat sleeper transit project at BEML, ushering in a new era of overnight travel experience. This initiative by Indian Railways aims to redefine passenger comfort, and the first Vande Bharat sleeper trainset is anticipated to be completed in the coming months.

The wheels of progress are turning at BEML, Bengaluru, as the production of the first Vande Bharat Express sleeper prototype kicks off. Initially reported by Urban Transport News in October 2023, this self-propelled train set is envisioned to surpass the existing Rajdhani Express trains, setting a higher standard in overnight travel. Shantanu Roy, CMD of BEML Ltd, expressed his delight in contributing to this milestone, emphasizing the commitment to comfort and world-class facilities while simultaneously reducing travel time.

Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw has announced an ambitious plan for the production of 10 Vande Bharat sleeper train sets. BEML stands as the chosen manufacturer for these sets, with additional projects for Vande Bharat sleepers concurrently in progress. These trains, designed for speeds of 160 kmph, with superior acceleration and deceleration capabilities, are set to significantly slash travel time on high-density popular routes within the Indian Railways network.

The prototype of the Vande Bharat sleeper train set promises a revolutionary travel experience with 11 AC 3-tier coaches, 4 AC 2-tier coaches, and 1 AC 1st coach. Passenger-centric features include more comfortable berths with superior cushioning compared to Rajdhani Express trains, sensor-based lighting in common areas, jerk-free rides enabled by advanced couplers, and enhanced night lighting for easy movement in aisle areas. The Vande Bharat sleeper trains boast a myriad of salient features, including modern passenger amenities, a modular pantry, crash-worthy design, best-in-class interiors featuring GFRP panels, public announcement and visual information systems, aerodynamic exterior aesthetics, special facilities for differently-abled passengers, ergonomically designed odour-free toilet systems, automatic exterior passenger doors, sensor-based intercommunication doors, fire safety compliant with EN 45545 standards, and hazard level 03, in addition to a shower with hot water in the 1st AC car and noise insulation measures for a serene saloon space.

The inauguration of the Vande Bharat sleeper transit project and the ensuing production of its prototype mark a significant leap forward in the evolution of India's railway infrastructure. With a commitment to cutting-edge technology, passenger comfort, and reduced travel times, the Vande Bharat sleeper trains are poised to redefine the landscape of overnight travel. As Indian Railways sets its sights on completing 10 such sleeper train sets and further expanding this revolutionary project, passengers can anticipate a transformative and luxurious journey on high-speed rails.