Indian Railways Plans To Roll Out Nine Vande Bharat Sleeper Trains In 2025

After successful prototype trials, the Ministry of Railways plans to introduce nine new Vande Bharat sleeper train sets between April and December this year, The Hindu reported citing officials.

The first 16-car VB sleeper train, manufactured by the Integral Coach Factory in Chennai, was tested over a 540 km stretch between Mumbai and Ahmedabad on 15 January.

These extensive trials were conducted by the Research Designs and Standards Organisation.

The train set, completed on 17 December by ICF, was moved to the Kota division.

There, it underwent successful tests over 30 km-40 km distances for three consecutive days in early January, achieving speeds of up to 180 km per hour and providing a comfortable travel experience.

The VB sleeper trains will offer accommodations in AC First Class, AC 2-Tier, and AC 3-Tier, with a total passenger capacity of 1,128.

Each train is equipped with safety features like crash buffers and deformation tubes, a fire barrier wall, and automatic doors, alongside amenities such as cushioned berths, onboard Wi-Fi, besides ultra comfortable berths and an aircraft-like design.

According to the officials quoted in the Hindu report, the RDSO will analyse the trial runs and issue a final certification before the operationalisation of India's first Vande Bharat sleeper train.

In addition to the nine VB sleeper trains by ICF, Indian Railways ordered propulsion electrics for fifty 24-coach Vande Bharat Sleeper Train Sets last December.

This contract was split between two major manufacturers: Medha, which will provide systems for 33 trains, and Alstom, for 17 trains.

The order is expected to be fulfilled within two years.

According to the officials, the full-scale production of the 24-car Vande Bharat sleeper train sets will begin in 2026-27.

At present, 136 Vande Bharat Chair Car trains operate throughout India, covering both medium and short routes.

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