Vande Bharat Sleeper Train Nears Certification After Successful Trials, Decision On Deployment Route Likely Soon

The trial run of the Vande Bharat sleeper train between Mumbai Central and Ahmedabad was successfully completed this past week.

However, the final deployment route of the new indigenous trains will be determined by the railway board.

The trial run saw the train reach a speed of 130 kmph.

It departed from Ahmedabad at 7.29 am, arrived at Mumbai Central at 1.50 pm, and later departed for Ahmedabad at 2.45 pm.

A report by the Times of India states that the Research Designs & Standards Organisation (RDSO), which is overseeing the trials, will conduct an analysis before issuing the final certification.

Afterward, the railway safety commissioner will evaluate the train at its maximum speed.

The Vande Bharat sleeper trains will undergo final assessments before being certified and handed over to Indian Railways for regular service.

Recent trials have seen the train achieve a peak speed of 180 kmph.

The certificate is expected to be issued next week, after which the railway board will make the final decision on its service deployment and route.

In the current trials, the sleeper train reached a peak speed of 180 kmph on 2 January, during a 30 km run between Kota and Laban in Rajasthan’s Bundi district.

On 1 January, it reached 180 kmph over a 40 km stretch between Rohal Khurd and Kota, and speeds of 170 kmph and 160 kmph were achieved on the Kota-Nagda and Rohal Khurd-Chau Mahla sections, respectively.

The Vande Bharat sleeper train features an austenitic stainless steel construction and crash-worthy features for enhanced passenger safety.

It features best-in-class interiors with GFRP panels and an aerodynamic exterior.

Passenger convenience is enhanced by a modular pantry, fire safety compliance with EN 45545 standards (Hazard Level: 03), and specially designed berths and toilets for differently-abled passengers.

The train includes automatic exterior passenger doors, sensor-based intercommunication doors, and remotely operated fire barrier doors for added safety.

For passenger comfort, the train is equipped with an ergonomically designed, odour-free toilet system, a dedicated toilet for the driving crew, and a hot water shower in the 1st AC car.

Additional amenities include integrated reading lights with USB charging, a public announcement and visual information system, and a spacious luggage room.

The 16-coach Vande Bharat sleeper train will feature 11 AC-3 tier coaches, 4 AC-2 tier coaches, and one First AC coach, all equipped with advanced features such as charging ports for Type A and C devices, foldable snack tables, integrated lighting systems, and laptop charging setups.

The First AC coach accommodates 24 passengers, while the Second AC coaches have 48 seats each. Of the Third AC coaches, five are designed with 67 seats each, and four have a capacity of 55 seats each.

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