The initial iteration of the Vande Bharat sleeper train, featuring a total of 857 berths, is currently in the final stages of design and is scheduled to be manufactured at the Integral Coach Factory (ICF) in Chennai by March 2024.
This sleeper version of the Vande Bharat train is set to offer passengers 823 berths while allocating 34 berths for staff members. Each coach is configured to include three toilets, as opposed to the previous four, and is also equipped with a mini pantry for passengers' convenience.
Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw has disclosed that the prototype for the sleeper-edition Vande Bharat is anticipated to be ready by December 2023, with the official rollout planned for March 2024. Currently, BEML is actively engaged in the production of ten sleeper Vande Bharat trains on behalf of ICF. The final design has been collaboratively developed by BEML in consultation with ICF.
Vaishnaw emphasized that the design of the sleeper Vande Bharat train has undergone numerous refinements, including structural modifications aimed at enhancing capacity.
The introduction of Vande Bharat sleeper trains is expected to be a significant augmentation to the Indian Railways' existing fleet, facilitating overnight long-distance travel on high-speed trains.
The Indian Railways has contracted the manufacturing of 200 sleeper Vande Bharat trains to consortiums formed by TMH-RVNL and BHEL-Titagarh Wagons. Notably, all sleeper Vande Bharat trains will adhere to the same final design, jointly adopted by TMH and Titagarh.
The design of the sleeper berths prioritizes passenger comfort, with thoughtful features such as user-friendly ladders for accessing the upper berths. Presently, there are 33 Vande Bharat trains equipped with seating arrangements operating nationwide. The plan is to introduce a total of 75 Vande Bharat trains with seating arrangements for day-long journeys, primarily along Shatabdi Express routes. Once this goal is met, there will be no further manufacturing of Vande Bharat trains with seating facilities.
Additionally, the prototype for the Vande Metro, designed for short-distance travel, is on track to be completed by December of the current year, with its official debut anticipated in February of the following year. The Vande Metro will consist of 12 coaches, providing commuters with a convenient mode of transportation for short-haul journeys.
