News Brief
Second Vande Bharat Sleeper Train Rake Arrives At ICF Chennai, Trial Run To Begin Soon
The Vande Bharat sleeper train will consist of 10 rakes with 16 cars each, operating at speeds of up to 160 kmph. (X)
The second Vande Bharat Sleeper train rake has arrived at the Integral Coach Factory (ICF) in Chennai, marking another step in the rollout of India’s semi-high-speed sleeper trains, the Indian Express reported.
Manufactured by BEML using ICF technology, this rake represents two out of the ten trains awarded to the company, with the remaining eight expected by the end of the 2025-26 financial year.
“Yes, the second Vande Bharat Sleeper rake has been delivered by BEML and it arrived in ICF, Chennai,” U Subba Rao, General Manager of ICF approved to the Indian Express.
The newly arrived rake will undergo mandatory trial runs before entering regular service.
Rao added, “The trial run will begin soon. It is an essential step for the train’s final commissioning and will be conducted by the Research Design and Standards Organisation (RDSO).” The trials will include comprehensive oscillation and speed tests, after which the train will be sent to the North Western Railway zone for further evaluation.
Rao highlighted that significant improvements had been made to the toilets and that the berths were refined for enhanced comfort.
He added that some holding arms and fixtures had been repositioned to improve usability, describing the overall result as a much-improved product.
Indian Railways plans to launch both Vande Bharat Sleeper trains together, ensuring that the second rake is fully ready for commercial service before the public rollout.
