In the ever-evolving landscape of Indian rail travel, the Vande Bharat sleeper trains are set to revolutionize the way we journey across the subcontinent. The train has been scheduled for release in February-March 2024.
The first prototype of the Vande Bharat sleeper coach is taking shape through the collaborative efforts of Bharat Earth Mover Ltd, based in Bengaluru, and the Integrated Coach Factory in Chennai. The primary focus of this project is to enhance the overall travel experience by improving comfort and safety.
“The quality of the seats/berths will be much better, as one of the most important aspects of the Vande Bharat trains, apart from upgrading and safety, is providing a comfortable travelling experience. The seats will also be made at a comfortable height; they will be made of better quality, as will the foam and covering used for the seats,” said a senior Indian Railways official working closely with this project.
One innovative feature of the Vande Bharat sleeper trains is the introduction of softer, more passenger-friendly steps for accessing upper berths unlike the hard, steel steps commonly found in trains today.
These sleeper trains will consist of 22 coaches, offering 857 berths. Approximately 5% of these berths will be reserved for Indian Railways staff, while the remaining 823 berths will be available to passengers. Additional amenities include three toilets, a mini pantry, reading lamps for every seat, a dressing mirror, mobile stands, and a handrest-cum-coffee table between seats on the lower berth, along with a center table.
Illuminating the coaches with uniform and subtle lighting ensures that passengers will have adequate visibility, even during the darkest hours. The air conditioning system has been redesigned to offer better temperature control and uniform distribution throughout the train.
Safety remains a top priority, with the inclusion of the Automatic Train Protection (ATP) System known as ‘Kavach.’ This system, already present in the Vande Bharat chair cars, adds an extra layer of security for passengers.
The future of the Vande Bharat sleeper trains looks promising, with plans for ongoing improvements to suspension, cabin lighting, and other aspects. Features such as automatic doors, clean restrooms, intercommunication doors, and increased standing room for passengers are also part of the new design.
Perhaps one of the most exciting aspects of Vande Bharat sleeper trains is the anticipation of greatly reduced travel times. Thanks to the distributed power system, these trains can accelerate more quickly, promising a faster and more efficient journey for passengers.
As India eagerly awaits the debut of the Vande Bharat sleeper trains, it’s clear that these innovative designs will not only enhance the travel experience but also underscore the country’s remarkable strides in infrastructure and technology.
