Vande Bharat sleeper trains with modern amenities to launch within three months

NEW DELHI: India’s first Vande Bharat sleeper trains, designed for long-distance overnight travel, will begin service within the next three months. These trains are the first in the country to feature only sleeper coaches, offering enhanced comfort for night journeys.

Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw shared this update during his visit to Bharat Earth Movers Limited (BEML) in Bengaluru, where the sleeper coaches are being manufactured. The construction of the first set of coaches has been completed, with track trials set to commence soon. Images of these state-of-the-art coaches have also been released.

Announced in 2023, the Vande Bharat sleeper train project aims to introduce 400 such trains. After a year and a half of production, it is expected that two to three trains will be rolled out each month. Unlike the existing Vande Bharat trains, which are equipped with chair cars, the new sleeper trains are fully dedicated to overnight travel.

The fare structure for the Vande Bharat sleeper trains will be similar to that of the Rajdhani Express. These trains feature world-class interiors and are equipped with modern safety systems, including collision and fire prevention technologies. Additionally, there is a separate cabin for staff.

Key features

Speed and capacity: The trains will operate at a maximum speed of 160 km/h, covering distances of 800-1200 km overnight. Each train will have a total capacity of 823 passengers across 16 sleeper coaches, including 11 AC three-tier coaches (611 berths), four AC two-tier coaches (188 berths) and one first-class AC coach (24 berths).

Modern amenities:

1. Stainless steel body for durability

2. Modern modular pantry for food service

3. Reading lights and USB charging ports at each berth

4. Advanced announcement system

5. Separate berths and washrooms for differently-abled passengers

6. Automatic doors for added convenience

7. Hot water provision for bathing in first-class AC

8. Dedicated luggage rooms and display boards

9. Oxygen levels will be maintained within the coaches

10. Virus-resistant materials for enhanced hygiene