Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw today oversaw the production of the Vande Bharat sleeper coach at Bharat Earth Movers Limited (BEML) in Bengaluru. He announced that the train is expected to be operational for passengers within the next three months.
Vaishnaw stated that before it hits the tracks for comprehensive testing, the Vande Bharat sleeper coach will undergo a series of trials for ten days. “After Vande Bharat chair cars, we were working on Vande Bharat sleeper cars. Its manufacturing has now been completed. This train will go out for the trial and testing from the BEML facility today,” said Vaishnaw.
Karnataka: Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnav inspects Vande Bharat train Sleeper coach at BEML in Bengaluru pic.twitter.com/5xtTJ2SM4F
— IANS (@ians_india) September 1, 2024
Key Features of Vande Bharat Sleeper Coach
The train, with a maximum speed of 160 km/h, is designed for overnight travel, covering distances between 800 km and 1,200 km. The sleeper train will feature enhanced oxygen levels and virus protection, a measure learned from the COVID-19 pandemic.
Vaishnaw further noted, “It will be a train meant for the middle class and the fares will be on par with Rajdhani Express.”
The Vande Bharat sleeper coach will be equipped with GFRP panels, modular pantries, berths and toilets specially designed for differently-abled passengers, and automatic external doors. Additional features include hot water showers in 1st AC, sensor-operated fire barrier doors, a sensor-based interior, odor-free toilets, reading lights with USB charging, and a spacious luggage area.
Following successful testing of the prototypes, full-scale production will begin in about 18 months. “We will start the series of production after one-and-a-half years. Then it will be like practically every month two to three trains will start rolling out,” Vaishnaw told PTI.