The first prototype of the Vande Bharat Sleeper trainset is ready and will soon undergo field trials. The timeline for its rollout depends on the successful completion of these trials.
Union Minister of Railways, Shri Ashwini Vaishnaw, confirmed that the sleeper trains are designed for long and medium-distance journeys. They come with several modern features and amenities to enhance passenger comfort and safety.
Some of the key features include:
- KAVACH safety system
- EN-45545 HL3 fire safety standards
- Crashworthy design with jerk-free couplers
- Regenerative braking for energy efficiency
- Higher average speed with quick deceleration
- Emergency talk-back system for communication in case of emergencies
- Accessible toilets and accommodation for passengers with restricted mobility
- CCTV cameras in all coaches
- Centralized monitoring of air conditioning and lighting
Also read | SWR to Implement KAVACH Safety System Across 1568 RKM
The Vande Bharat sleeper trains aim to improve the railway experience with cutting-edge technology. As of December 2, 2024, 136 Vande Bharat services with Chair Car coaches are already running across India, including 16 in Tamil Nadu. The longest route is between Delhi and Banaras, covering 771 km.
The introduction of new Vande Bharat services is an ongoing process, subject to feasibility and resource availability.
