First Prototype of Vande Bharat Sleeper Trainset Ready, Field Trials to Begin Soon

New Delhi, India (Urban Transport News): Indian Railways has taken a major step forward in its modernization efforts with the manufacturing of the first prototype of the Vande Bharat Sleeper trainset. This prototype is now set to undergo extensive field trials, marking the beginning of a new chapter in long and medium-distance rail travel across India. The train’s final rollout timeline will depend on the successful completion of these trials.

Union Minister of Railways, Ashwini Vaishnaw, in his recent statement to the Rajya Sabha, highlighted the advanced features of the Vande Bharat Sleeper trains, which are designed to enhance the travel experience for passengers on long-haul routes. These sleeper trains are equipped with modern amenities, ensuring a comfortable and safe journey.

Vande Bharat Sleeper Train Features

The Vande Bharat Sleeper trainset has been designed with several innovative features aimed at improving safety, comfort, and energy efficiency. One of the key safety features is the Kavach system, India's indigenous anti-collision system, which enhances train safety on tracks. The trains will also be equipped with CCTV surveillance cameras in every coach for added security.

Passenger safety is further reinforced with Crashworthy and Jerk-Free Semi-permanent Couplers and Anti-Climbers that minimize the impact in the event of a collision. The design of the Carbody also complies with European safety standards (EN standards), ensuring durability and crashworthiness. Additionally, these sleeper trains will feature HL3 fire safety standards, the highest fire safety standard as per European railway norms, which includes comprehensive fire performance tests, such as flame spread, smoke emission, and toxic gas production.

Passenger-Centric Amenities

The Vande Bharat Sleeper train is set to provide a high level of comfort and convenience. Passengers will enjoy the ergonomically designed upper berths, which are easy to access thanks to a specially designed ladder. For passengers with restricted mobility, accessible toilets are available in the driving coaches at both ends, ensuring inclusivity.

The train will feature centrally controlled automatic plug doors and fully sealed, wider gangways for seamless movement between coaches. In case of an emergency, passengers will be able to communicate directly with the Train Manager or Loco Pilot through an emergency talk-back unit.

Energy Efficiency and Environmental Sustainability

The regenerative braking system is one of the standout features of the Vande Bharat Sleeper train. This system recovers energy during braking and feeds it back into the train’s power system, improving overall energy efficiency and reducing the environmental impact of the train's operations.

The Vande Bharat Sleeper trainset is designed for high-speed operations, with a focus on achieving higher average speeds and quick deceleration and acceleration. This will ensure that long-distance travelers experience shorter journey times without compromising on comfort.

Current Vande Bharat Services

As of December 2, 2024, 136 Vande Bharat Chair Car services are already operational across the Indian Railways network, with 16 of these services serving stations in Tamil Nadu. The longest Vande Bharat service operates between Delhi and Banaras, covering a distance of 771 km.

The introduction of new Vande Bharat services, including the sleeper variants, continues to be a priority for Indian Railways, depending on factors such as traffic demand, operational feasibility, and resource availability.

Next Steps: Field Trials and Rollout

The Vande Bharat Sleeper trainset will soon begin field trials to test its operational efficiency and performance under real-world conditions. Once these trials are successfully completed, the train will be ready for commercial service, marking a significant milestone in the development of India’s rail infrastructure.

The Vande Bharat Sleeper trainsets are poised to transform long-distance rail travel in India, offering enhanced safety, speed, and comfort for passengers. The successful introduction of these trains is expected to further strengthen Indian Railways' commitment to modernizing its services and infrastructure, offering world-class travel options to millions of passengers across the country.