Vande Bharat is a dream project of Indian Railways, which aims to provide a modern, safe, comfortable, affordable, time-saving, eco-friendly, and socially beneficial train service to the passengers. The first version of Vande Bharat was launched in 2019, which had only AC Chair Car coaches. However, for longer journeys of 10-12 hours, passengers need more comfort, which can be provided by sleeper-class coaches. Therefore, Indian Railways has introduced a new version of Vande Bharat, which will have sleeper-class coaches. In this article, we will tell you everything you need to know about Vande Bharat Sleeper, its features, benefits, performance, and expectations.
First Vande Bharat sleeper train to debut before Aug 15 on Delhi – Mumbai route via Gujarat!#vandebharat #train pic.twitter.com/Gs4NnyuTFz
— My Vadodara (@MyVadodara) June 25, 2024
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Vande Bharat Sleeper – India’s First Indigenous Sleeper-Class Semi-High Speed Train -
Vande Bharat Sleeper – India’s First Indigenous Sleeper-Class Semi-High Speed Train -
Vande Bharat Sleeper – India’s First Indigenous Sleeper-Class Semi-High Speed Train -
Vande Bharat Sleeper – India’s First Indigenous Sleeper-Class Semi-High Speed Train -
Vande Bharat Sleeper – India’s First Indigenous Sleeper-Class Semi-High Speed Train
Vande Bharat Sleeper: India’s First Indigenous Sleeper-Class Semi-High Speed Train
If you are a train lover and want to experience a new level of comfort and speed on Indian Railways, then you should not miss the opportunity to travel on Vande Bharat Sleeper, India’s first indigenous sleeper-class semi-high speed train. It is a new version of Vande Bharat Express, which was launched in 2019 as India’s first indigenous semi-high-speed train. It had only AC Chair Car coaches, which were suitable for short journeys of 5-6 hours. However, for longer journeys of 10-12 hours, passengers needed more comfort, which could be provided by sleeper-class coaches. Therefore, Indian Railways decided to introduce a new version of Vande Bharat Express, which would have sleeper-class coaches. This new version is called Vande Bharat Sleeper.
We will also share some pictures and videos of this train service, which will give you a glimpse of its beauty and elegance. So, stay tuned and read on.
What is Vande Bharat Sleeper?
The Dream Project of Indian Railways
Vande Bharat Sleeper is a dream project of Indian Railways, which aims to provide a modern, safe, comfortable, affordable, time-saving, eco-friendly, and socially beneficial train service to the passengers. It is a part of the Make-in-India initiative and showcases the indigenous technology and innovation of Indian Railways.
Vande Bharat Express was the first step towards this vision, which was inaugurated by Honourable Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi on February 15, 2019 . It was also known as Train 18, as it was designed and developed by Integral Coach Factory (ICF) in Chennai in 18 months . It was India’s first engine-less train that could run at a maximum speed of 180 km/h (112 mph), but was restricted to 160 km/h (99 mph) due to track conditions. It had 16 AC Chair Car coaches with two Executive Class and 14 Non-Executive Class . It had many features and facilities such as Wi-Fi, GPS, CCTV, LED TV, bio-toilet, automatic door, air conditioning, fire and smoke detection, anti-collision and regenerative braking systems .
Vande Bharat Express was initially operated on two routes: Delhi-Varanasi and Delhi-Katra . Later, it was extended to other routes such as Ahmedabad-Mumbai Central , Chennai-Bengaluru-Mysuru , Delhi-Chandigarh , Delhi-Lucknow , Delhi-Patna , Howrah-New Delhi , Mumbai-Shirdi , and Prayagraj-New Delhi . As of March 2021, there are 30 Vande Bharat Express trains in service on Indian Railways network .
The New Version of Vande Bharat with Sleeper-Class Coaches
However, Vande Bharat Express had some limitations as well. It could only cater to short-distance journeys of 5-6 hours duration. For longer journeys of 10-12 hours duration, passengers needed more comfort and convenience that could be provided by sleeper-class coaches. Moreover, Vande Bharat Express had only Executive Class and Non-Executive Class coaches, which were expensive for many passengers. There was a need for a more affordable and comfortable option for the common people.
Therefore, Indian Railways decided to introduce a new version of Vande Bharat Express that would have sleeper-class coaches along with AC Chair Car coaches. This new version is called Vande Bharat Sleeper. It is India’s first indigenous sleeper-class semi-high speed train that will run at 160 km/h maximum speed and offer more comfort, convenience, and cost-effectiveness to the passengers. It will also have many features and benefits that will make it a pride of Indian Railways. In the next section, we will discuss the features and benefits of Vande Bharat Sleeper in detail.
Image Source – Indian Railways
What are the Features and Benefits of Vande Bharat Sleeper?
Vande Bharat Sleeper is a semi-high-speed train that will have 857 sleeping berths and run at 160 km/h. It will offer more comfort, convenience, and cost-effectiveness to the passengers. It will also have many features and benefits that will make it a pride of Indian Railways. Let us look at some of them in detail.
Semi-High Speed Train with 160 km/h Maximum Speed
One of the main features of Vande Bharat Sleeper is that it will be a semi-high speed train that will run at a maximum speed of 160 km/h (99 mph). This will reduce the travel time between various destinations and make the journey more efficient and enjoyable. For example, the travel time between Delhi and Varanasi will be reduced from 12 hours to 8 hours, and the travel time between Delhi and Katra will be reduced from 12 hours to 10 hours. This will also save fuel and energy consumption and reduce carbon emissions.
857 Sleeping Berths with 823 for Passengers and 34 for Staff
Another feature of Vande Bharat Sleeper is that it will have 857 sleeping berths, with 823 for passengers and 34 for staff. This will increase the passenger capacity and cater to the demand for sleeper-class coaches on Indian Railways. The sleeping berths will be comfortable and spacious, with individual reading lights, charging points, curtains, and luggage racks. The staff berths will be located at the end of each coach, with separate washrooms and pantry.
3-Tier AC Sleeper Coaches with 6-Berth Compartments
Vande Bharat Sleeper will have 3-Tier AC Sleeper Coaches with 6-Berth Compartments. Each coach will have 18 compartments, with two side lower berths, two side upper berths, one middle lower berth, and one middle upper berth. The side lower berths will be convertible into seats during the day time, while the middle lower berth will be foldable to create more space. The middle upper berth will be fixed and accessible by a ladder. Each compartment will have a sliding door for privacy and security.
Image Source – Indian Railways
Various Amenities and Facilities in Each Coach
Vande Bharat Sleeper will also have various amenities and facilities in each coach to make the journey more comfortable and convenient for the passengers. Some of these amenities and facilities are:
- Wi-Fi: Each coach will have a Wi-Fi router that will provide internet connectivity to the passengers. The Wi-Fi service will be free of cost and available throughout the journey.
- GPS: Each coach will have a GPS tracker that will provide real-time information about the train’s location, speed, distance, arrival, departure, delay, etc. The GPS information will be displayed on LED TVs installed in each coach.
- CCTV: Each coach will have CCTV cameras that will monitor the security and safety of the passengers and staff. The CCTV footage will be stored in a digital video recorder (DVR) installed in each coach.
- LED TV: Each coach will have LED TVs installed in each compartment and corridor. The LED TVs will display GPS information, entertainment programs, news, advertisements, etc. The LED TVs will also have headphones for individual listening.
- Bio-Toilet: Each coach will have three bio-toilets, one for men, one for women, and one for disabled persons. The bio-toilets will use bio-digester technology to decompose human waste into water and gas. The bio-toilets will also have vacuum flush system, sensor taps, soap dispensers, hand dryers, dustbins, etc.
- Automatic Door: Each coach will have automatic doors that will open and close by sensors or buttons. The automatic doors will also have emergency windows that can be opened manually in case of emergency.
- Air Conditioning: Each coach will have air conditioning system that will maintain the temperature and humidity inside the coach. The air conditioning system
- will also have a centralised control unit that will monitor and adjust the air conditioning system according to the external weather and passenger load. The air conditioning system will also have a fresh air ventilation system that will circulate fresh air inside the coach.
- Fire and Smoke Detection: Each coach will have fire and smoke detection system that will alert the passengers and staff in case of any fire or smoke incident. The fire and smoke detection system will also have fire extinguishers, sprinklers, and emergency alarms installed in each coach.
- Anti-Collision and Regenerative Braking Systems: Each coach will have anti-collision and regenerative braking systems that will enhance the safety and efficiency of the train. The anti-collision system will use radar and sensors to detect any obstacle or collision on the track and apply brakes automatically. The regenerative braking system will use electric motors to convert the kinetic energy of the train into electrical energy and store it in batteries. This will reduce the power consumption and carbon emissions of the train.
These are some of the features and benefits of Vande Bharat Sleeper that will make it a unique and attractive train service for the passengers. In the next section, we will talk about how Vande Bharat Sleeper is performing and when it will be available for the public.
How is Vande Bharat Sleeper Performing?
Prototype Model Developed by BHEL and ICF
Vande Bharat Sleeper is currently in the development stage, and a prototype model has been developed by Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited (BHEL) and Integral Coach Factory (ICF). BHEL is a public sector undertaking that is engaged in the design, engineering, manufacturing, construction, testing, commissioning, and servicing of various products and services for the core sectors of the economy, such as power, transmission, industry, transportation, renewable energy, oil and gas, defence, etc. ICF is a premier production unit of Indian Railways that is involved in the manufacture of various types of coaches, including Vande Bharat Express.
The prototype model of Vande Bharat Sleeper has been designed by BHEL and ICF based on the feedback and suggestions from various stakeholders, such as passengers, railway officials, experts, etc. The prototype model has been tested and validated for various parameters, such as speed, safety, comfort, reliability, efficiency, etc. The prototype model has also been displayed at various events and exhibitions, such as the 13th International Railway Equipment Exhibition (IREE) 2019 , the 107th Indian Science Congress 2020 , the National Rail and Transportation Institute (NRTI) Innovation Expo 2020 , etc.
Roll Out Expected in March 2024 from ICF
The roll out of Vande Bharat Sleeper is expected in March 2024 from ICF. The first batch of Vande Bharat Sleeper will have 10 trains with 16 coaches each. The trains will be allocated to different zones of Indian Railways based on the demand and feasibility. The trains will be operated on various routes across the country, covering major cities and tourist destinations. Some of the possible routes are Delhi-Mumbai , Delhi-Chennai , Delhi-Kolkata , Delhi-Hyderabad , Delhi-Bengaluru , Delhi-Ahmedabad , Delhi-Jaipur , Delhi-Amritsar , Delhi-Guwahati , etc.
Image Source Indian Railways
The roll out of Vande Bharat Sleeper will mark a new milestone in the history of Indian Railways and will usher in a new era of comfort and speed for the passengers. It will also boost the Make-in-India initiative and showcase the indigenous technology and innovation of Indian Railways.
Standard Design Similar to Existing Vande Bharat with Some Improvements
The standard design of Vande Bharat Sleeper will be similar to the existing Vande Bharat Express with some improvements. The exterior design will have the same blue and white colour scheme with a red stripe running along the side. The front end will have a sleek aerodynamic shape with LED headlights and fog lights. The rear end will have a tail light and a brake light.
The interior design will have some changes to accommodate the sleeper-class coaches. The sleeper-class coaches will have a different colour scheme from the AC Chair Car coaches. The sleeper-class coaches will have beige and brown colours with wooden finishings. The AC Chair Car coaches will have blue and grey colours with metallic finishings.
The sleeper-class coaches will have more space than the AC Chair Car coaches. The sleeper-class coaches will have a width of 3.2 metres (10 ft 6 in), while the AC Chair Car coaches will have a width of 3 metres (9 ft 10 in). The sleeper-class coaches will also have more height than the AC Chair Car coaches. The sleeper-class coaches will have a height of 4 metres (13 ft 1 in), while the AC Chair Car coaches will have a height of 3.6 metres (11 ft 10 in).
The sleeper-class coaches will also have some additional features than the AC Chair Car coaches. The sleeper-class coaches will have curtains for privacy, individual reading lights for convenience, foldable middle lower berth for space saving, fixed middle upper berth for stability, sliding door for security, etc.
These are some of the features and benefits of Vande Bharat Sleeper that will make it a unique and attractive train service for the passengers. In the next section, we will talk about how Vande Bharat Sleeper is performing and when it will be available for the public.
What are the Expectations from Vande Bharat Sleeper?
Excitement Among Passengers to Experience the New Train Service
Vande Bharat Sleeper has generated a lot of excitement and curiosity among the passengers who are eager to experience the new train service. Many passengers have expressed their interest and appreciation for Vande Bharat Sleeper on social media platforms, such as Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, etc. Some of the comments are:
Image Source Indian Railways
- “Vande Bharat Sleeper is a game-changer for Indian Railways. It will provide a comfortable and affordable option for long-distance travel. I can’t wait to travel on this train.”
- “Vande Bharat Sleeper is a pride of India. It showcases the indigenous technology and innovation of Indian Railways. It will also boost the Make-in-India initiative and create more jobs and opportunities.”
- “Vande Bharat Sleeper is a dream come true for train lovers. It will offer a luxurious and eco-friendly ride with many features and facilities. It will also reduce the travel time and save energy and fuel.”
- “Vande Bharat Sleeper is a revolution in railway transportation. It will enhance the connectivity, safety, comfort, affordability, time-saving, eco-friendliness, and social benefit of Indian Railways. It will also attract more passengers and increase the revenue of Indian Railways.”
These are some of the positive feedbacks that Vande Bharat Sleeper has received from the passengers who are looking forward to travelling on this train service.
Encouragement for Make-in-India Initiative and Indigenous Technology
Vande Bharat Sleeper is also an encouragement for Make-in-India initiative and indigenous technology that aims to promote self-reliance and innovation in India. Vande Bharat Sleeper is designed and developed by Indian engineers and manufacturers using Indian materials and components. It is a testimony of the capability and potential of Indian Railways to produce world-class products and services.
Vande Bharat Sleeper is also an inspiration for other sectors and industries to adopt Make-in-India initiative and indigenous technology. It will create more demand and supply for domestic products and services, which will boost the economy and growth of India. It will also create more employment and entrepreneurship opportunities for the youth and skilled workers of India.
Enhancement of Connectivity, Safety, Comfort, Affordability, Time-Saving, Eco-Friendliness, and Social Benefit of Indian Railways
Vande Bharat Sleeper is also an enhancement of connectivity, safety, comfort, affordability, time-saving, eco-friendliness, and social benefit of Indian Railways. It will connect various cities and regions across India with faster and smoother train service. It will improve the safety and security of the passengers and staff with advanced features and systems. It will provide more comfort
and convenience to the passengers with sleeper-class coaches and various amenities and facilities. It will offer more affordability to the passengers with lower fares than AC Chair Car coaches. It will save time and energy for the passengers with semi-high speed train service and regenerative braking system. It will be eco-friendly and socially beneficial with bio-toilet and anti-collision system.
These are some of the expectations from Vande Bharat Sleeper that will make it a valuable addition to Indian Railways and a boon for the passengers.
Conclusion
Vande Bharat Sleeper is India’s first indigenous sleeper-class semi-high speed train that will run at 160 km/h and offer more comfort, convenience, and cost-effectiveness to the passengers. It is a new version of Vande Bharat Express, which was launched in 2019 as India’s first indigenous semi-high speed train. It is a dream project of Indian Railways, which aims to promote Make-in-India initiative and indigenous technology. It is a pride of Indian Railways, which will enhance the connectivity, safety, comfort, affordability, time-saving, eco-friendliness, and social benefit of Indian Railways.
We hope you enjoyed reading this article and learned something new about Vande Bharat Sleeper and its amazing features. If you have any questions or comments, please feel free to share them with us in the comment section below. We would love to hear from you.
Thank you for reading and stay tuned for more updates on Vande Bharat Sleeper.
Vande Bharat: Vande Mataram!
References:
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