Indian Railways is set to introduce sleeper coaches to its Vande Bharat trains by March 2024, marking a significant expansion of the high-speed train service. The move follows Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman’s announcement during the interim budget on February 1 that the government plans to convert 40,000 normal railway bogies to Vande Bharat standards.
The initial phase will see the introduction of 10 Vande Bharat sleeper class trains, with routes like Delhi-Mumbai and Delhi-Howrah being earmarked for these trains. Trial runs are expected to commence in April 2024, providing a glimpse of the enhanced features and services offered by these sleeper trains.
Finance Minister Sitharaman emphasized the government’s commitment to improving passenger safety, convenience, and comfort through the conversion of normal rail bogies to Vande Bharat standards. The move aligns with the broader vision of transforming rail travel in India and providing a world-class experience for passengers.
The Vande Bharat sleeper trains are currently under production, with a focus on delivering optimal comfort for long-distance journeys. As electric multiple units, these trains aim to surpass the speeds achieved by traditional trains like Rajdhani, offering efficient and time-saving travel options.
The sleeper coaches will offer a mix of berths, including both AC and non-AC coaches, with each train consisting of 16 to 20 coaches. The design is tailored to cater to overnight journeys, ensuring that passengers experience a comfortable and restful travel experience.
An official from Indian Railways stated, “The Vande Bharat sleeper coaches that are being designed in the Integral Coach Factory in Chennai will cut travel time by two hours, thus reaching the destination station faster than any other train currently in the Indian Railways’ system.”
While Vande Bharat trains with chair cars for short-distance travel are already operational, discussions are underway regarding the introduction of Vande Bharat Metro services. Prototypes of metro-style trains are expected to be unveiled, exploring the possibility of expanding the Vande Bharat concept to urban transit systems.
As the railway network evolves with the introduction of sleeper coaches to Vande Bharat trains, passengers can anticipate a seamless and efficient travel experience, aligning with the government’s vision for a modern and advanced rail transportation system in India.
