R ARIVANANTHAM
BENGALURU, SEPT 1
In a significant step towards Atma Nirbhar Bharat, Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw and MoS for Railways V. Somanna unveiled the prototype of the Vande Bharat sleeper coach at the Bharat Earth Movers Limited (BEML) facility here on Sunday.
After unveiling the structure of the Vande Bharat sleeper coaches, Vaishnaw informed reporters that the coach is set to undergo rigorous trials and tests over the next 10 days before it is put on the tracks for further evaluation.
- The minister also lays the foundation stone for a new Vande Bharat manufacturing facility on the Bharat Earth Movers Limited (BEML) premises
- The new Vande Bharat Express sleeper train will feature 16 coaches and a total of 823 berths
- It will include 11 3AC coaches with 611 berths, 4 2AC coaches with 188 berths, and 1 1AC coach with 24 berths
- The train will run at a maximum speed of 160 kilometers per hour, ensuring a swift and graceful journey
- A first in India, this train set has been meticulously designed to combine aesthetic appeal with functional excellence
Describing new features in the Vande Bharat trains, Vaishnaw said a lot of things had been taken care of in the new trains. “Four trains -, Vande Chair Car, Vande Sleeper, Vande Metro and Amrit Bharat – have been designed in a way to address many things, like modern technology, safety and special facilities for loco pilots and service staff.”
Vaishnaw lays lays the foundation stone for a new Vande Bharat manufacturing facility
He said that the train is expected to be open for passenger operation in the next three months. “We expect the passenger operation of Vande Sleeper Coach in three months from now…This is a full sleeper version,” he said.
The minister also laid the foundation stone for a new Vande Bharat manufacturing facility on the Bharat Earth Movers Limited (BEML) premises. “We are starting a very important journey today. After the success of the Vande Bharat chair car, the manufacturing and design of the Vande Bharat Sleeper is something we all have been waiting and working for. The manufacturing of the Vande Bharat Sleeper is now complete. In a few days, the Vande Bharat Sleeper (coaches) will leave the BEML (Bharat Earth Movers Limited) factory in Bangalore for testing and trials,” he said.
“Its configuration has been carefully designed with a lot of attention to detail. The needs of the serving staff, whether it’s the loco pilots, maintenance staff, or those serving bedding and food, have been considered. Every toilet has been designed keeping specially-abled individuals in mind. Testing will continue for the next one to two months, and then most probably, the service will start in about three months,” said Railway Minister Vaishnav.
Fares will be affordable and on par with Rajdhani Express
According to him, the Vande Bharat sleeper train with 16 coaches is meant for overnight journeys and will cover 800 km to 1,200 km. The oxygen level inside the train and virus protection, a lesson learnt from COVID-19 pandemic, are added features of the train. “It will be a train meant for the middle class and the fares will be affordable and on par with Rajdhani Express,” Vaishnaw said.
Salient features
Video courtesy: CPRO/SR
- Austenitic* Stainless steel Train set
- Crash worthy features in Train set for passenger safety
- Best-in-class interiors with GFRP panels
- Aerodynamic exterior looks
- Modular pantry
- Fire safety as per EN 45545, Hazard Level: 03
- Special berths and toilets for differently abled
- Automatic exterior passenger doors
- Sensor based intercommunication doors
- Remotely operated Fire barrier doors at end wall
- Ergonomically designed odour free toilet system
- Toilet for driving crew
- Shower with hot water in 1st AC car
- Integrated Reading light with USB Charging provision
- Public announcement and visual information system
- Modern passenger amenities
- Spacious luggage room
