Indian Railways is set to revolutionize long-distance travel with the introduction of sleeper coaches to its renowned Vande Bharat trains. Scheduled for launch by March 2024, the initiative aims to provide passengers with enhanced comfort and convenience during overnight journeys.
The initial rollout will include an inaugural fleet of 10 Vande Bharat sleeper class trains, with trial runs slated to commence in April. These trains are expected to operate on high-demand routes such as Delhi-Mumbai and Delhi-Howrah, offering passengers a seamless travel experience.
Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, during the interim budget presentation on 1 February, announced plans to convert 40,000 normal railway bogies to Vande Bharat standards. This conversion aims to elevate safety, convenience, and comfort for passengers across the Indian Railways network.
Manufacturing of the sleeper train sets for Vande Bharat trains is currently underway, with a focus on optimizing efficiency and reducing travel times. As electric multiple units, Vande Bharat sleeper trains promise to surpass the speeds achieved by traditional trains like Rajdhani Express.
These sleeper trains will feature a mix of sleeping berths, including both AC and non-AC coaches, spanning 16 to 20 coaches in total. Designed to cater to overnight journeys, Vande Bharat sleeper trains will be equipped with various amenities to ensure passenger comfort throughout the trip.
An Indian Railways official highlighted the potential benefits of the Vande Bharat sleeper coaches, emphasizing their ability to reduce travel time by two hours compared to existing trains. This efficiency enhancement aims to provide passengers with faster and more convenient travel options.
In addition to sleeper coaches, discussions are underway regarding the introduction of Vande Bharat Metro services. Prototypes of metro-style trains are expected to be unveiled soon, signaling Indian Railways’ commitment to innovation and modernization in both long-distance and urban transit systems.
