In a significant development for Indian Railways’ modernization drive, Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw announced that the first prototype of the highly anticipated Vande Bharat sleeper train has been successfully manufactured and is ready for field trials. The announcement came through a written response in the Rajya Sabha on Friday, marking a crucial milestone in India’s railway infrastructure advancement.
Key Highlights:
Advanced Safety Features:
- Kavach automatic train protection system
- Latest fire safety compliance
- Crashworthy semi-permanent couplers
- Energy-efficient regenerative braking system
Current Operations:
- 136 Vande Bharat services with chair-car coaches operational
- 16 services specifically serving Tamil Nadu
- Delhi-Varanasi route (771 km) stands as the longest operational route
The new sleeper variant, designed for long and medium-distance travel, represents a significant upgrade in Indian Railways’ passenger service portfolio. The train incorporates state-of-the-art technology focusing on both safety and comfort, positioning it as a game-changer in overnight rail travel.
“The rollout timeline will be determined by the successful completion of field trials,” Minister Vaishnaw stated, emphasizing the importance of thorough testing before commercial deployment.
The announcement has generated considerable interest in railway-affiliated stocks, with several infrastructure companies seeing positive movement on the exchanges. The project is expected to create significant opportunities in the railway manufacturing sector.
The introduction of new train services, including Vande Bharat and its variants, continues to be an ongoing process, with deployment decisions based on:
- Traffic demand analysis
- Operational feasibility studies
- Resource availability assessment
The successful implementation of the Vande Bharat sleeper train program is expected to revolutionize long-distance train travel in India, offering passengers a perfect blend of speed, comfort, and modern amenities.
