NEW DELHI (Metro Rail & Steel): A momentous occasion in the history of Indian Railways, the highly anticipated Vande Bharat sleeper train has officially entered the production phase. This marks a significant milestone for the country’s railway network as the first Vande Bharat sleeper train, poised to outshine the Rajdhani Express, takes shape through a collaborative effort between BEML and ICF, Chennai.
The commencement of production took place yesterday at BEML’s Bangalore complex and was graced by distinguished guests, including Railway Board Member (Traction & Rolling Stock) Naveen Gulati, ICF GM BG Mallya, and BEML CMD Shantanu Roy.
Vande Bharat sleeper trains are poised to set new benchmarks in luxury and comfort. These trains will offer world-class amenities, combining exceptional design with functionality. Notable features include lightweight and corrosion-resistant GFRP panels for interiors, a sleek and aerodynamic exterior, crash-worthy attributes, a modular pantry, an ergonomically designed odor-free toilet system, and modern passenger conveniences.
BEML has set an ambitious target for rolling out the first Vande Bharat sleeper prototype by March 2024. These 160 kmph-capable trains will consist of 16 coaches, comprising 1 AC 1st class coach, 4 AC 2-tier coaches, and 11 AC 3-tier coaches. BEML CMD Shantanu Roy emphasizes that the interior design and layout prioritize passenger comfort for long-distance travel. “The interior will be at a different level than the Rajdhani. It is designed based on the most superior trains found in foreign countries,” Roy stated.
“The overall travel experience, the comfort level, the jerks all those things will be taken care of, mostly because of the difference in the designing, in the styling and these being distributed control system or a propulsion-driven system, fully electric, rather than a push-pull train, which has a locomotive at the front,” he added.
