The Indian Railways is set to introduce the inaugural fleet of 10 Vande Bharat sleeper class trains. According to media reports, the inaugural fleet of 10 Vande Bharat sleeper class trains is set to debut in March. The initial routes earmarked for these trains include the high-traffic corridors of Delhi-Mumbai and Delhi-Howrah, with trial runs anticipated to kick off in April.
These Vande Bharat sleeper train sets, currently in the development phase, boast high-speed capabilities and are tailored for long-distance journeys. As electric multiple units, they promise enhanced efficiency and reduced travel times, aiming to surpass the speeds achieved by Rajdhani trains.
The trains will offer a mix of sleeping berths, encompassing both AC and non-AC coaches, ranging from 16 to 20 coaches in total. Designed primarily for overnight travel, these trains will feature various amenities to ensure passenger comfort throughout their journey.
Vande Bharat to be the future
While short-distance Vande Bharat trains with chair cars are already operational, there are discussions underway regarding the introduction of Vande Bharat Metro services. Prototypes of these metro-style trains are expected to be unveiled in the near future, exploring the possibility of expanding the Vande Bharat concept to urban transit systems.
Vande Bharat Sleeper Trains production at ICF Chennai
The Indian Railways has entrusted the Integral Coach Factory in Chennai with the manufacturing of the initial batch of Vande Bharat sleeper train prototypes. This marks a significant step towards realising the vision of modernizing and revolutionising train travel in India, aligning with the government’s commitment to enhancing transportation infrastructure across the country.
“Starting March, there will be a rollout of Vande Bharat sleeper trains. In total, 10 trains will be rolled out in a phased manner. These are prototypes,” said Railways Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw.
“Vande Bharat along with Amrit Bharat (trains on push-pull technology) and Namo-Bharat (rapid rail transit system) are transforming the way people travel,” he added.
It’s reported that the Modern Coach Factory in Rae Bareilly and the Rail Coach Factory in Kapurthala, two other coach-making units of the Railways, are also engaged in the development of Vande Bharat sleeper trains, along with exploring the prospects of Vande metros.
Indian Railways expands network
In recent times, the Indian Railways has made significant strides in expanding its network, with nearly 26,000 kilometers of new tracks laid down. Notably, over 20 percent of this expansion, amounting to approximately 5,500 kilometers, was accomplished in the fiscal year 2024 alone.
Looking ahead, the Railways has ambitious plans for the construction of an additional 40,000 kilometers of tracks over the next 7-8 years. This endeavor is closely tied to the realization of three proposed freight corridor projects, which are currently in various stages of development.