The much-anticipated sleeper version of the Vande Bharat Express has successfully completed its trial run, marking a significant milestone in India’s semi-high-speed rail journey. The trials were conducted over two days between Khajuraho, Madhya Pradesh, and Mahoba, Uttar Pradesh, under the Jhansi Railway Division.

Key Highlights of the Trial Speed Achievements:

The train reached speeds of 115 kmph on Saturday and 130 kmph on Sunday, with future capabilities to operate at speeds of 160 to 200 kmph.

Trial Details:

Manoj Kumar Singh, Public Relations Officer of Jhansi Railway Division, stated, "The first rack of the sleeper Vande Bharat Express arrived in Mahoba on Friday, and the initial field trial was conducted on Saturday. A second successful trial followed on Sunday."

Railway and ICF (Integral Coach Factory) Chennai technical teams closely monitored the trials, assessing the train’s speed, safety systems, and technical equipment.

Features of Vande Bharat Sleeper Trains

The sleeper version of the Vande Bharat Express boasts a host of advanced features to enhance passenger comfort and safety:

Safety: Crash-worthy design for passenger protection. Armour protection system demonstrated during trials. Fire safety compliance with EN 45545 Hazard Level: 03.

Modern Amenities: Austenitic Stainless Steel Trainset with aerodynamic exterior design. Ergonomically designed, odor-free toilets with hot water showers in First AC coaches. Integrated reading lights with USB charging points. Special berths and toilets for differently-abled passengers. Spacious luggage rooms and modular pantry facilities.

Advanced Systems: Automatic exterior passenger doors and sensor-based inter-communication doors. Public announcement and visual information systems for passenger convenience.

Future Deployment and Expansion Plans

The Indian Railways plans to introduce 10 sleeper versions of Vande Bharat trains initially, with a vision to roll out 200 more trains across the country to serve medium-distance routes. These trains aim to offer enhanced amenities and a comfortable journey experience for passengers.

Key Routes: Madhya Pradesh is among the states expected to benefit significantly, with major routes planned for these trains.

Current Status: As of December 2024, 136 Vande Bharat services are operational across India on broad-gauge electrified routes for short and medium-distance travel. The sleeper versions are expected to hit the tracks officially by 2025, subject to the successful completion of trials.

A Leap Toward Modern Rail Travel

The introduction of the sleeper version of the Vande Bharat Express represents a step forward in India’s rail modernization efforts. With state-of-the-art features and world-class passenger amenities, these trains promise to redefine comfort and convenience for medium-distance travel.

The ongoing trial runs are critical to ensuring the reliability and efficiency of these trains, which are poised to become a key part of India's rail infrastructure in the coming years.