Marking a significant step forward in India’s rail modernisation programme, Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw on Sunday unveiled the prototype of the Vande Bharat sleeper coach at Bharat Earth Movers Limited’s (BEML) facility.
The prototype will undergo extensive trials over the next ten days before it is subjected to further on-track testing.
"The Vande Bharat sleeper train is anticipated to enter passenger service within three months," Vaishnaw announced.
"This is the next evolution of the Vande Bharat series, following the introduction of the Vande Bharat chair cars. The manufacturing of the sleeper cars is now complete, and we are moving into the trial phase," Vaishnaw said.
He added that following successful testing, serial production would commence within 18 months, aiming for a steady rollout of two to three trains per month.
The Vande Bharat sleeper coaches feature several advanced elements, including enhanced virus protection and oxygen levels, addressing lessons learned from the COVID-19 pandemic.
Designed for overnight journeys, the sleeper trains will cover distances between 800 and 1,200 kilometres, catering to the middle-class segment with fares comparable to the Rajdhani Express.
Vaishnaw noted that the design and production of these trains are complex, but the continuous improvements will be carried forward to the Vande Bharat Metro cars as well.
The railways are working on four configurations: Vande Bharat chair cars, sleeper cars, Metro cars, and Amrit Bharat trains, all aimed at revolutionising passenger travel.
In addition to the prototype unveiling, Vaishnaw laid the foundation stone for a new Vande Bharat manufacturing facility at BEML’s premises.
This facility, along with a new 9.2-acre Hangar for the export of rolling stock, will enhance BEML’s global operations, the company stated.
Addressing concerns about food quality on existing Vande Bharat trains, Vaishnaw assured that while complaints are minimal, stringent measures have been taken against caterers and suppliers to address issues.
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