India is gearing up to launch its first Vande Bharat Sleeper train in the coming weeks, potentially before Diwali in late September or early October 2025. This new train aims to provide a faster and more comfortable overnight travel experience, rivalling the Rajdhani Express.

Luxurious Interiors and Enhanced Comfort

The Vande Bharat Sleeper is designed with a focus on passenger comfort and modern aesthetics. Drawing inspiration from European rail systems, the train features well-equipped coaches and cushioned berths. Key interior elements include:

• Specialized Night Illumination: Soft lighting creates a relaxing ambiance for overnight journeys.
• Cushioned Berths: Wider, more comfortable, and better-cushioned berths ensure a pleasant sleeping experience.
• Individual Amenities: Each berth is equipped with individual reading lights, USB charging points, and small refreshment tables.
• GFRP Panel Interiors: The coaches feature Glass Fiber Reinforced Polymer (GFRP) panel interiors that are both durable and aesthetically pleasing.
• Aircraft-Style Interiors: The overall design incorporates aircraft-inspired elements for a premium travel experience.
• Improved Soundproofing: Enhanced sound insulation minimizes noise, contributing to a quieter and more restful journey.
• Sensor-based lighting: Common areas will feature sensor-based lighting systems.

The train will have intercommunicative automatic doors, and the coaches are designed to have better coupling to reduce jerks.

Advanced Features and Technology

The Vande Bharat Sleeper incorporates several advanced features to enhance safety, convenience, and efficiency:

• KAVACH Anti-Collision System: The train is equipped with the indigenous KAVACH system, an automatic train protection system designed to prevent collisions.
• Regenerative Braking: This technology helps in optimal energy usage by converting kinetic energy into electrical energy during braking.
• Centralized Coach Monitoring System: A centralized system manages amenities such as air conditioning and lighting.
• Automatic Doors: Doors at designated stops function automatically, enhancing convenience for passengers.
• Emergency Communication: Passengers can communicate with the driver in emergency situations.
• CCTV Surveillance: Each coach is equipped with CCTV cameras for enhanced security.
• LED Screens: Passenger information is displayed on LED screens.
• Bio-Vacuum Toilets: The train features modern bio-vacuum toilets similar to those found in aircraft.
• Accessible Facilities: The train includes facilities for disabled passengers, as well as infant care stations.
• Onboard WiFi: Passengers can stay connected with onboard WiFi.

Routes and Speed

The first Vande Bharat Sleeper service is expected to operate from Delhi to destinations approximately 1,000 kilometers away. Potential routes include Delhi to Ahmedabad, Bhopal, and Patna via Varanasi. The train is designed for a maximum speed of 180 kmph, with an operational speed of 160 kmph. Faster acceleration and deceleration are expected to reduce travel time between destinations. For example, the Delhi-Patna journey, which currently takes over 23 hours on the Rajdhani Express, is projected to be just 11.5 hours on the Vande Bharat Sleeper.

Manufacturing and Production

The train sets are being manufactured by BEML in collaboration with ICF Chennai. The Integral Coach Factory in Chennai manufactured the first sleeper set on December 17, 2024. BFG India, a Sri City-based company, is supplying the interiors, modular toilet cabins, and aerodynamic front ends for the Vande Bharat Sleeper Express.

Impact and Expectations

The Vande Bharat Sleeper is expected to significantly improve long-distance train travel in India by providing a faster, more comfortable, and more convenient option for passengers. The launch of this train is particularly timely, as it coincides with the surge in travel demand to Bihar during festivals such as Diwali and Chhath Puja. The new service aims to ease congestion and offer a premium travel experience at competitive prices.