In Kerala, Vande Bharat trains currently serve with chair cars, but passenger demands for sleeper coaches are being addressed. The railway has officially initiated the production of Vande Bharat sleeper coaches, designed to surpass Rajdhani Express standards and even match European train quality.
Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw shared the concept design, emphasizing international standards. The fully air-conditioned sleeper trains will feature one AC 1, four Second AC, and 11 Third AC coaches, accommodating a total of 832 passengers. Unique amenities include automatic doors, modern modular pantry, facilities for the physically disabled, and even hot water supply in AC 1 washrooms.
To enhance the Vande Bharat experience, designers are incorporating lightweight, rust-proof GFRP panels in the interiors, a material known for its corrosion-resistant properties. Bharat Earth Movers Limited (BEML) is set to unveil the prototype sleeper coach by April 2024. BEML, in collaboration with Integral Coach Factory (ICF), Chennai, will produce the first batch of coaches, featuring an investment of Rs 675 crore for 10 sets of trains, each with 16 coaches.
BEML assures the highest safety standards, leveraging its expertise in manufacturing MEMU, Metro coaches, and track machines. Plans for producing aluminum coaches for Vande Bharat are underway. These trains, designed for a speed of 200 kmph, mark a significant leap in railway technology.
Looking ahead, the railway is set to introduce more advanced trains, including a collaboration with a Russian consortium for 120 sleeper trains, with the prototype expected in 2025. An 80-train contract with Titagarh and BHEL, along with a deal for 100 Vande Bharat sleeper trains with aluminum coaches from Alstom, further reflects the railway’s commitment to innovation. In total, contracts for 300 new Vande Bharat sleeper trains highlight a transformative phase in the Indian railway system.
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