The Vande Bharat sleeper train successfully completed its trial run between Mumbai Central and Ahmedabad on Wednesday. However, the railway board will decide the final deployment route. During the trial, which reached speeds of 130 km/h, the train arrived at Mumbai Central at 1:50 pm after departing Ahmedabad at 7:29 am, and then left for Ahmedabad at 2:45 pm.
According to a Times of India report, the Research Designs & Standards Organisation (RDSO), which is overseeing the trials, will conduct an analysis before issuing the final certification. Following this, the train will be evaluated by the railway safety commissioner at its maximum speed.
Vande Bharat sleeper train: Trial run
The Vande Bharat sleeper trains will be certified and handed over to Indian Railways for regular service only after passing the final assessment. The train had already reached a peak speed of 180 km/h during multiple trials over the past few days. The certificate is expected to be issued next week, after which the railway board will make the final decision on its service deployment and route.
In the current trials, the sleeper train reached a peak speed of 180 km/h on January 2, during a 30 km run between Kota and Laban in Rajasthan’s Bundi district. On January 1, it reached 180 km/h over a 40 km stretch between Rohal Khurd and Kota, and speeds of 170 km/h and 160 km/h were achieved on the Kota-Nagda and Rohal Khurd-Chau Mahla sections, respectively.
Vande Bharat sleeper train: Features
- Austenitic stainless steel train set
- Crash-worthy features for passenger safety
- Best-in-class interiors with GFRP panels
- Aerodynamic exterior
- Modular pantry
- Fire safety as per EN 45545, Hazard Level: 03
- Special berths and toilets for differently-abled passengers
- Automatic exterior passenger doors
- Sensor-based intercommunication doors
- Remotely operated fire barrier doors at the end wall
- Ergonomically designed, odour-free toilet system
- Toilet for driving crew
- Shower with hot water in 1st AC car
- Integrated reading light with USB charging
- Public announcement and visual information system
- Spacious luggage room
For passenger convenience, the train includes a combined gangway for easy movement, dog boxes at both ends, adequate linen storage space, and 38 special seats for attendants. All coaches are HL3-compliant for fire safety and feature Braille navigation for visually impaired passengers.
Vande Bharat sleeper train: Coach composition and amenities
As per multiple media reports, the 16-coach Vande Bharat sleeper train will feature 11 AC-3 tier coaches, 4 AC-2 tier coaches, and 1 First AC coach, all equipped with advanced features such as charging ports for Type A and C devices, foldable snack tables, integrated lighting systems, and laptop charging setups. The 1st AC coach has 24 seats, while the 2nd AC coaches have 48 seats each. Among the 3rd AC coaches, five have 67 seats each, and four have 55 seats each.