Indian Railways is set to revolutionise overnight rail travel with the introduction of the Vande Bharat sleeper train prototype in August. This new offering promises to surpass the esteemed Rajdhani Express in terms of speed, comfort, and overall passenger experience. Here are the top ten enhancements that position the Vande Bharat sleeper train as a superior alternative to the Rajdhani Express.
1. Increased Speed: The Vande Bharat sleeper train boasts a top speed of 160 km/h, significantly reducing travel time through faster acceleration and deceleration compared to the Rajdhani Express. 2. Enhanced Seating: Passengers can look forward to improved sleep comfort with berths featuring superior cushioning, providing a more restful overnight journey.
3. Self-Propelled Design: Unlike traditional trains that require locomotives, the Vande Bharat sleeper train is self-propelled with driver cabins at each end. This design innovation reduces turnaround time at stations, enhancing operational efficiency. 4. Smoother Ride: The advanced coupler design ensures a smoother, jerk-free ride, offering passengers a more pleasant travel experience.
5. Passenger Convenience: The new trains feature better-designed ladders, making it easier for passengers to access upper and middle berths, thereby improving overall convenience. 6. Improved Ambience: Fully-sealed gangways create a dust-free environment, and enhanced air-conditioning ensures a more comfortable atmosphere within the train.
7. Automated Doors: Automatic entry and exit doors, controlled by the driver, along with automatic interconnecting doors between coaches, add a layer of convenience and safety for passengers. 8. Enhanced Safety: The Vande Bharat sleeper train is equipped with front and intermediate side crash buffers, as well as intermediate couplers with deformation tubes, making it more crashworthy than the Rajdhani Express.
9. Superior Fire Safety: Meeting the stringent EN 45545 HL3 fire safety standards, the train utilises advanced non-metallic components and features fire barriers that meet E30 integrity standards. This includes measures to prevent fire spread in the saloon and cab areas, with E15 doors ensuring fire containment between cars for up to 15 minutes. 10. Quality Materials: Constructed using austenitic steel for side walls, roofs, end walls, floor sheets, and cabs, the Vande Bharat sleeper train promises durability and high-quality performance.
The Vande Bharat sleeper train represents a significant upgrade in rail travel, offering enhanced safety, comfort, and convenience. As Indian Railways continues to innovate, passengers can look forward to a new standard of overnight travel, combining speed with luxury and ensuring a safe, smooth journey.
