Indian Railways is set to revolutionize long-distance travel with the upcoming trials for the Vande Bharat Sleeper train. Union Minister of Railways, Ashwini Vaishnaw, announced on Friday that the first prototype of the Vande Bharat Sleeper train has been produced and will soon undergo field testing. Designed for medium and long-distance journeys, this new train model is equipped with state-of-the-art amenities aimed at enhancing passenger comfort and safety.
The Vande Bharat Sleeper train boasts several advanced features, including KAVACH, India’s indigenously developed train collision protection system. It complies with the EN-45545 HL3 fire safety standards and features a crashworthy and jerk-free design, ensuring greater safety during travel. The train also includes semi-permanent couplers and anti climbers to further enhance its structural integrity in case of an impact. Another notable feature is the regenerative braking system, which not only improves energy efficiency but also supports quicker acceleration and deceleration, enabling higher average speeds. Passengers will also benefit from emergency communication options, with talk-back units allowing direct contact between passengers and train managers or loco pilots in emergencies. For accessibility, the Vande Bharat Sleeper is designed with special accommodations for passengers with restricted mobility, including accessible toilets located in the driving coaches at both ends. Additionally, the trains will be fitted with centrally controlled automatic plug doors and wider gangways, facilitating smooth and safe boarding.
The coaches will also have a centralized monitoring system to ensure passenger amenities, such as air conditioning and lighting, are in optimal condition throughout the journey. CCTV surveillance cameras will be installed in all coaches for added security. Currently, Indian Railways operates 36 Vande Bharat trains with chair car coaches, including 16 services in Tamil Nadu. The longest Vande Bharat Express service runs between Delhi and Banaras, covering a distance of 771 kilometers. With the addition of the Vande Bharat Sleeper train, Indian Railways aims to further enhance the comfort and safety of long-distance travelers. The successful trial and subsequent introduction of the Vande Bharat Sleeper train will be a significant milestone in India’s quest to modernize its railway network, making travel more efficient and passenger-friendly.
