Indian Railways has developed the first prototype of the Vande Bharat Sleeper Train, which is now ready for field testing, according to an official statement by Union Minister of Railways Ashwini Vaishnaw. Designed for long and medium-distance journeys, these trains are equipped with state-of-the-art amenities to enhance passenger experience.

Key Features and Amenities

The Vande Bharat Sleeper Trains boast several advanced features, including:

KAVACH Technology: Enhanced safety system.

Fire Safety Compliance: Meets EN-45545 HL3 fire safety standards.

Crashworthy Design: The train's carbody is built to EN standards with jerk-free semi-permanent couplers and anti-climbers for added safety.

Energy Efficiency: Incorporates a regenerative braking system.

Emergency Communication: Equipped with an emergency talk-back unit for passengers to contact the Train Manager or Loco Pilot.

Accessibility: Dedicated accommodation and toilets for passengers with restricted mobility in driving coaches at each end.

Modern Amenities:

  Automatic plug doors and sealed, wider gangways.

  Ergonomic ladders for easy access to upper berths.

  Centralized Coach Monitoring System for efficient management of air conditioning and lighting.

  CCTV surveillance in all coaches for enhanced security.

Field Trials and Timeline The rollout of the Vande Bharat Sleeper Trains will depend on the successful completion of field trials, as stated by the Railway Ministry.

Current Vande Bharat Services

As of December 2024, the Indian Railways network operates 136 Vande Bharat train services, including 16 services catering to Tamil Nadu. Most of these trains feature chair car coaches, and the longest route is between Delhi and Banaras, covering 771 kilometers. Minister Vaishnaw noted that the introduction of new train services, including variants of Vande Bharat, is a continuous process dependent on operational feasibility, traffic demand, and resource availability.

Ongoing Innovations in Indian Railways

The addition of the Vande Bharat Sleeper variant marks another milestone in Indian Railways' modernization efforts. These trains promise improved passenger comfort, safety, and energy efficiency, reflecting the government's commitment to elevating rail travel standards in the country.