Indian railways is all set to launch India’s semi-high-speed rail – Vande Bharat train’s sleeper version. According to the latest update, the first set of Vande Bharat Sleeper trains from Bengaluru’s Bharat Earth Movers Limited (BEML) is going to be dispatched on September 20. Bengaluru Central MP PC Mohan confirmed the news on social media and added that the first Vande Bharat Sleeper train will be launched in December. “India's first Vande Bharat sleeper train will be dispatched from Bengaluru's BEML plant by September 20 and is expected to be operational by December,” said PC Mohan on X. Also ReadIndian Railways: Will Vande Bharat sleeper trains replace Shatabdis and Rajdhanis Express? The sleeper coaches are being manufactured by the Integral Coach Factory (ICF) in partnership with BEML. Launch of Vande Bharat sleeper trains Last year, Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw announced that the basic design of the Vande Bharat Sleeper trains had been approved and that manufacturing had commenced. Also ReadVande Bharat Express v/s Vande Metro: Understanding difference in route, frequency, speed and more | Explainer Once introduced, the Vande Bharat sleeper trains will mark a major enhancement to the Indian Railways fleet, offering passengers the convenience of overnight travel on high-speed trains. According to various reports, the sleeper coaches will feature wider berths, brighter interiors, and more spacious toilets. Currently, Vande Bharat trains only offer seating options. This new version, featuring sleeper coaches, aims to provide a fresh experience for passengers, enabling long-distance travel with the comfort of sleeping berths. Features of Vande Bharat sleeper trains The new Vande Bharat sleeper train, consisting of 10 rakes with 16 cars each, will operate at a maximum speed of 160 kmph, reaching 180 kmph during testing. Each train will feature 16 coaches with a total of 823 berths, including 11 3AC coaches with 611 berths, 4 2AC coaches with 188 berths, and 1 1AC coach with 24 berths. Also ReadIndian Railways: 16 out of 102 Vande Bharat Express trains catering to needs of Maharashtra, says Ashwini Vaishnaw The train coaches will also have reading lamps, charging outlets, snack tables, and mobile/magazine holders in the coaches for the convenience of the passengers. Safety is a priority, with all coaches equipped with the Kavach collision avoidance system and featuring stainless steel car bodies for durability. The train will also incorporate crash-worthy safety measures, GFRP interior panels, and fire safety compliance according to EN 45545 standards. Additionally, the train will have automatic doors for convenience.
