Vande Bharat Sleeper Train completes trial runs, awaits final nod

The Vande Bharat Sleeper Train is set to revolutionise overnight travel by offering a combination of speed comfort and advanced technology Passengers can soon look forward to a seamless and luxurious travel longdistance journeysThe first 16car Vande Bharat Sleeper Train Set completed the trials over a 540kilometre stretch of the MumbaiAhmedabad sectionThe trial was conducted by the Research Designs and Standards Organisation RDSO on January 15 less than a month the Integral Coach Factory ICF in Chennai completed the manufacturing of Indiarsquos first Vande Bharat Sleeper Train Set on December 17 2024It will undergo a final safety evaluation by the Railway Safety Commissioner before being fully operationalRDSO will issue a final certification after thoroughly analysing the trial runs to ensure that the trains meet the highest standards of safety and performanceWithin just two weeks of its completion the Vande Bharat train was transported to the Kota division where it underwent successful shortdistance trials of 30 to 40 kilometres over three consecutive days in January During these tests the Vande Bharat Sleeper Train achieved a comfortable travel experience at a high speed of 180 km per hour giving Indian Railways a major boost in its modernisation effortsFollowing the success of the prototype trials Indian Railways is poised to scale up production with nine more Vande Bharat Sleeper Train Sets slated for completion between April and December The Railways already placed an order on December 17 2024 for propulsion electrics for 50 rakes of the 24car Vande Bharat Sleeper Train Sets The order has been awarded to two leading Indian manufacturers Ms Medha will supply propulsion systems for 33 rakes while Ms Alstom will provide systems for 17 rakes These systems are expected to be ready within a twoyear timeframe marking a significant step toward Indiarsquos goal of selfreliance in railway technologyProduction of the 24car Vande Bharat Sleeper Train Sets is expected to begin in full scale in 202627 further solidifying Indiarsquos leadership in railway innovation and ensuring longterm benefits for travelersDesigned to cater to modern travel demands the Vande Bharat Sleeper Train offers passengers a premium travel experience with a host of worldclass amenitiesThe train features 16 coaches including AC airconditioned 1st Class AC 2Tier and AC 3Tier classes with a total capacity of 1128 passengers In addition to ultracomfortable berths and reclining seats passengers will enjoy onboard WiFi automatic doors and a quiet smooth journey all set within an aircraftlike designThe trains will also have safety features such as such as crash buffers deformation tubes a fire barrier wall and advanced mechanisms