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Vande Bharat Sleeper Trains: The Future of Comfortable Overnight Travel in India

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The Vande Bharat sleeper trains represent a significant leap in India’s railway services, designed to provide a comfortable and efficient overnight travel option for passengers. These trains are expected to be available for public booking around December 2024, after undergoing rigorous testing and trials over the next few months.

Launched by the Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw in early September 2024, the Vande Bharat sleeper train is India’s first of its kind. Each train will have 16 coaches: 11 three-tier AC coaches with 611 berths, 4 two-tier AC coaches with 188 berths, and 1 first-class AC coach with 24 berths. These trains are designed to cater to long-distance travel, capable of covering 800-1,200 kilometers and reaching speeds of up to 160 km/h.

(Photo: X/@AshwiniVaishnaw)

The Vande Bharat sleeper train is loaded with features to ensure comfort and safety. Its modern interiors include USB charging ports, ample luggage space, and ergonomically designed seats. It even caters to pet owners with a designated dog box for traveling with pets. Additionally, the train has a state-of-the-art HVAC system for consistent air conditioning throughout the coaches. Toilets are well-equipped with various styles (Euro and Oriental) and are accessible for differently-abled passengers. The inclusion of bio-digester tanks and garbage compactors ensures high standards of cleanliness.

Safety is a top priority in these trains. Features like crash buffers, anti-climbers, and a Black Box system for real-time data monitoring enhance the overall security of passengers. Additionally, fire detection systems and a Vigilance Control Device ensure swift responses during emergencies.

Indian Railways is set to manufacture two to three Vande Bharat sleeper trains every month, with the goal of offering better overnight travel experiences that match or exceed existing services like the Rajdhani Express.

The Vande Bharat sleeper trains mark a major upgrade to India’s rail network, offering an enhanced travel experience for long-distance, overnight journeys. Unlike the current Vande Bharat Express trains, which are equipped with chair car seating for shorter journeys, the sleeper variant is specifically designed to cater to passengers traveling overnight across distances ranging from 800 to 1,200 kilometers. This new development by Indian Railways aims to offer both comfort and speed while meeting the needs of modern travelers.

Key Features of the Vande Bharat Sleeper Trains

  1. Modern Coach Layout: The Vande Bharat sleeper trains consist of 16 coaches, including 11 AC three-tier coaches, 4 AC two-tier coaches, and 1 AC first-class coach. These configurations offer a total of 823 passenger berths, ensuring that passengers have ample space for comfortable overnight journeys.
  2. Comfort and Amenities: The coaches are designed with passenger comfort in mind. Each berth is equipped with advanced lighting, USB charging ports, and well-thought-out storage solutions, such as ample luggage space and foldable snack tables. The train also features onboard pantry services, providing fresh meals during the journey.
  3. Enhanced Safety Features: Safety is a priority in the Vande Bharat sleeper trains. The trains are built with crash buffers, anti-climbers, and an aerodynamic cab that can withstand impacts of up to 36 km/h. The train is also equipped with a Black Box system for real-time monitoring and a Vigilance Control Device that ensures the driver is alert at all times
  4. Accessibility and Hygiene: To accommodate passengers of all abilities, the trains have specially designed berths and toilets for differently-abled individuals. The toilets are available in different styles (Euro, Oriental, and combination), and the train maintains high hygiene standards with bio-digester tanks that require periodic maintenance and garbage compactors for waste management
  5. Air Conditioning and Climate Control: The HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning) system on board the Vande Bharat sleeper trains ensures consistent air conditioning throughout the journey, maintaining passenger comfort in all weather conditions
  6. Pet-Friendly Facilities: One of the unique features of the Vande Bharat sleeper train is its provision for passengers traveling with pets. A designated dog box is available to ensure that pet owners can travel comfortably with their pets

Target Audience and Competitive Positioning

The Vande Bharat sleeper trains are designed to offer an alternative to existing premium long-distance trains like the Rajdhani Express. The pricing of tickets for these trains is expected to be comparable to the Rajdhani, making it a competitive option for travelers looking for a balance between comfort, speed, and affordability

The Indian Railways has emphasized that the trains are ideal for covering long distances overnight, providing passengers with comfortable sleeping arrangements while maintaining high speeds. With the capability to run at speeds of up to 160 km/h, the Vande Bharat sleeper trains offer a fast yet comfortable alternative to air travel for medium-range routes

Production and Rollout

As of September 2024, the production of Vande Bharat sleeper trains is in full swing, with Indian Railways planning to produce two to three trains every month. The testing phase for the prototype trains is expected to conclude within the next few months, and the trains are scheduled to begin passenger services by December 2024

The first Vande Bharat sleeper trains were produced at Bharat Earth Movers Limited (BEML) in Bengaluru, with more trains to be manufactured at various facilities across India. This rollout strategy aligns with Indian Railways’ broader goal of modernizing the railway network and expanding high-speed train services to more regions of the country.

Benefits for Passengers

For passengers, the introduction of Vande Bharat sleeper trains brings several benefits:

Conclusion

The Vande Bharat sleeper trains are a significant step forward in India’s rail infrastructure. With their advanced features, modern amenities, and focus on passenger comfort, they promise to redefine long-distance train travel in India. As Indian Railways continues to innovate and expand its fleet, these sleeper trains will play a crucial role in making travel more accessible, comfortable, and efficient for millions of passengers across the country.

With trials expected to complete by the end of 2024, the excitement surrounding the Vande Bharat sleeper trains is set to grow, offering a new chapter in India’s transport evolution

Source (India Today)​ (Zee News).

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