India's First Vande Bharat Prototype Sleeper Train Unveiled: Here Are Its Key Features

India's first Vande Bharat prototype sleeper train has been unveiled at BEML plant in Bengaluru.

The train was unveiled by Union Minister for Railways Ashwini Vaishnaw on Sunday (1 September).

The sleeper coaches are being produced by the Integral Coach Factory (ICF) in collaboration with BEML.

"A lot of things have been taken care of in this coach...Four trains, Vande Chair Car, Vande Sleeper, Vande Metro and Amrit Bharat have been designed in a way to address many things, like modern technology, safety and special facilities for loco pilots and service staff. This is a means of transport for middle-class people, so its fare will be affordable...There are a lot of safety features on this train. Also, a lot of innovations have been made in design. A separate cabin has been made for the maintenance staff...This train can be compared with the best trains in the world," Vaishnaw said while speaking to the reporters.

Here are the images of the train and it's interior:

Key Features of Vande Bharat Sleeper Trains

The Vande Bharat sleeper train will consist of 10 rakes with 16 cars each, operating at speeds of up to 160 kmph, and reaching 180 kmph during tests.

Each train will have 16 coaches, providing a total of 823 berths: 11 3AC coaches with 611 berths, 4 2AC coaches with 188 berths, and 1 1AC coach with 24 berths, reports Hindustan Times.

These new sleeper coaches will feature wider berths, enhanced interior lighting, and more spacious toilets compared to existing services.

Safety is also emphasised, with the inclusion of the Kavach collision avoidance system, stainless steel car bodies, crash-worthy safety measures, GFRP interior panels, and adherence to EN 45545 fire safety standards.

Additionally, the trains will be equipped with automatic doors for enhanced convenience.

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