Railway Minister unveils Vande Bharat sleeper coach prototype, targets passenger service in three months

Bengaluru, 1 September 2024 :  On Sunday, Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw  unveiled the much-anticipated prototype of the Vande Bharat sleeper coach at Bharat Earth Movers Limited’s (BEML) facility. The unveiling marks a significant milestone in India’s rail transport sector, with the coach set to undergo rigorous trials for the next 10 days. Following these initial evaluations, the sleeper coach will be tested on tracks to ensure it meets all safety and performance standards. Vaishnaw expressed optimism about the project’s progress, stating that the sleeper version of the Vande Bharat train could be ready for passenger service within the next three months. The introduction of sleeper coaches is expected to enhance the comfort and convenience of long-distance travelers, further boosting the appeal of the Vande Bharat Express, which has already revolutionized rail travel in India.

In addition to unveiling the prototype, the Railway Minister also laid the foundation stone for a new manufacturing facility dedicated to the production of Vande Bharat trains. The facility, located on the BEML premises, is expected to play a crucial role in ramping up the production of these semi-high-speed trains, ensuring that India’s railways can meet the increasing need for quicker and more efficient travel solutions. The unveiling of the sleeper coach prototype comes just days after Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated three new Vande Bharat Express trains via video conferencing on August 31. The new trains, which include the Meerut–Lucknow Vande Bharat Express, the Madurai–Bengaluru Vande Bharat Express, and the Chennai–Nagercoil Vande Bharat Express, are set to enhance connectivity on key routes across Uttar Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, and Karnataka.

During the inauguration, Prime Minister Modi highlighted the success of the Vande Bharat initiative, noting that there are currently 102 Vande Bharat trains in operation nationwide. With over 300 crore passengers having traveled on these trains, the initiative has proven to be a game-changer in Indian rail transport. Looking ahead, PM Modi also announced plans to introduce a sleeper version of the Vande Bharat trains, further expanding the range of services offered. Additionally, the Prime Minister revealed plans for the Vande Metro, a new urban transport service, and mentioned that renovations are currently underway at more than 1,300 railway stations across the country.

The introduction of the Vande Bharat sleeper coach and the expansion of the Vande Bharat initiative underscore the Indian government’s commitment to modernizing the country’s rail infrastructure and providing world-class travel experiences to passengers.