By the end of FY 2023–2024, Indian Railways plans to launch two more updated versions of Vande Bharat. In this regard, the Integral Coach Factory (ICF), situated in Chennai, is working assiduously to build both the Vande Metro and the Vande Bharat Sleeper versions of the coaches.
Speaking to media persons after visiting ICF, Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw said, “The process of production of Vande Bharat Sleeper Version as well as the Vande Metro Coaches are going in a very good phase.”
In addition to ICF, the railroads will also build these semi-high-speed trains in two of its factories: the Marathwada Rail Coach Factory in Latur and the Modern Coach Factory in Rae Bareli. By August 15, 2023, the national transporter aims to launch 75 services of this modern-age train.
The Vande Sleeper version can travel more than 550 km. It will replace the current superfast trains such as the Rajdhanis, Duronto, etc. The sleeper car format is anticipated to be ready by February 2024.
The Vande Metro format will run at a distance of less than 100 km. The current suburban and non-suburban, or local, trains will be replaced by this new configuration in the upcoming years.
