The production work for the first prototype of the Vande Bharat sleeper train commenced in October-end last year.Sources have told TOI that the train is expected to be ready in February-March.
How will the Vande Bharat sleeper train be better than the Rajdhani Express?
TOI has exclusively learnt of some additional passenger-friendly features in the Vande Bharat Express that are better than the premium Rajdhani Express and Tejas Express trains that currently run on the Indian Railways network.
For example, keeping in mind the comfort of passengers, extra cushioning on the side of the berths has been provided so that when passengers turn while sleeping or resting, it’s more comfortable. Some of the interesting features in the Vande Bharat sleeper train will be:
- More comfortable berths with better cushioning than Rajdhani Express trains
- Better designed ladder for ease of climbing on to the upper berths
- Jerk-free rides with better couplers
- Colors of cream, yellow and wood have been used in the interior for a superior ambient feel
- Sensor-based lighting in common areas
- Better night lighting on floor via strips for easy movement in aisle area of coaches
- Energy efficient overhead lighting
- Wash basins with anti-spill features
Apart from the above, some other salient features in the new Vande Bharat sleeper train will be:
- Aerodynamic exterior looks with inspiration taken from the eyes of an eagle bird for the train headlights
- Best-in-class interiors with GFRP panels
- Sensor-based inter communication doors
- Automatic exterior passenger doors
- Modular pantry
- Crash worthy features
- Special berths and toilets for differently abled
- Shower with hot water in 1st AC car
- Public announcement and visual information system
- Noise insulation and mitigation measures for silent saloon space
- Spacious luggage room
- Ergonomically designed odour free toilet system
Similar to the chair car Vande Bharat Express trains, the sleeper variants too will be self-propelled distributed power train sets with 160 kmph speed potential. The capability for faster acceleration and deceleration will allow the Vande Bharat sleeper train to cut travel time, which would particularly be beneficial for overnight train journeys.
The 16 coach Vande Bharat sleeper prototype will have 11 AC 3 tier coaches, 4 AC 2 tier coaches and one AC 1st coach. The train will have a total berth capacity of 823 passengers.