In Pictures: Vande Bharat Sleeper Coaches Unveiled, Scheduled For Commissioning Soon

The Integral Coach Factory (ICF) in Chennai unveiled the much-anticipated prototype of the Vande Bharat sleeper version on Wednesday (23 October).

This sleeper train, designed for overnight journeys, is scheduled for commissioning by November 15 and will be dispatched to Lucknow's Research Design and Standards Organisation (RDSO) for rigorous tests and trials.

The sleeper rake, designed by ICF engineers and manufactured by Bharat Earth Movers Limited (BEML), features 11 three-tier AC coaches, 4 two-tier AC coaches, and one first-class coach, offering a total capacity of 823 passengers.

During a press conference on Wednesday (23 October), ICF General Manager U. Subba Rao discussed the upcoming launch of the sleeper coaches. “The testing will cover oscillation trials, emergency braking distress trials, and checks on the control and electrical systems in real-world conditions,” said Rao.

The testing phase will progress through various speeds, starting at 90 kmph and ultimately reaching 180 kmph, with the process expected to conclude by mid-January 2025.

The Vande Bharat sleeper coaches are part of a larger initiative by Indian Railways to improve travel speeds across key routes. According to Rao, ongoing track upgrades are set to boost speeds from 130 kmph to 160 kmph on major lines, such as the Chennai-Delhi corridor.

“The train is equipped with Kavach Train Collision Avoidance System, crashworthy couplers, crash buffers on the front and sides, and an advanced fire detection system,” Rao said, reports The New Indian Express.

Currently, 78 Vande Bharat trains with seating-only arrangements operate as intercity express services across the country. However, this fully air-conditioned 16-car sleeper version, produced at a cost of Rs 120 crore, is expected to revolutionise overnight rail travel.

The introduction of sleeper coaches addresses the ergonomic challenges commonly faced in traditional sleeper class trains. Leveraging similar technology as the chair car variant, these coaches promise benefits such as jerk-free, noiseless rides, quick acceleration, and deceleration.

Passengers can anticipate improved foot area on the ladder for easier entry, new toilet designs, and enhanced air conditioning with better control. Incorporating cutting-edge technology, the seat cushions feature advanced comfort features, while stringent measures ensure a safe and hygienic travel environment.