Railway Ministry Flags Issues in Vande Bharat Sleeper Train
31.10.2025
The Railway Ministry has given approval for the launch of the country’s first Vande Bharat sleeper train. Various discrepancies in the train were pointed out. Upgrades must happen in safety features and other aspects.
This is reported by the railway transport news portal Railway Supply.
Vande Bharat Sleeper Train Faces Design and Quality Challenges
According to the authorities, the final approval from the ministry was given on October 28 following the submission of the compliance report by the RDSO; however, inspectors observed edge cuts, fitting defects, and lapses in workmanship in more than one coach.
They requested immediate solutions to the problems identified in the current prototype and challenged engineers to incorporate improvements proposed in future designs.
As the route of the train has yet to be determined, the Railway Board has disseminated the directive among all the zones. The speeds up to 160 km/h have been emphasized.
In addition, the Board has reminded zones to ensure Kavach 4.0 collision avoidance systems and communication links between locomotive pilots and train managers as well as station masters in the vicinity.
Vande Bharat Sleeper Train Operational and Safety Measures
Ensuring that trained staff were present to address onboard issues and emergencies was underlined. “Every member of the crew should know how to uncouple semi-permanent couplers and should have the ability to perform the action in less than fifteen minutes.
They should also know the tools that are required. For improved passenger service, the ministry recommended maintaining a stable temperature environment as opening the doors many times causes temperature fluctuations.
It also directed the announcement related to norms of personal safety in multiple languages: English, Hindi, and other regional languages. Maintenance crews will manage the new vehicles. Spare parts and consumables will also be provided.
As per the Railway Board, proactive maintenance will save the reliability quotient and shelf life of components and the reputation of the Indian flagship semi-variants.
Photo, source: infra.economictimes.indiatimes.com
News on railway transport, industry, and railway technologies from Railway Supply that you might have missed:
What is the Vande Bharat Sleeper Train?
It is India’s first 16-car overnight version of the Vande Bharat series, designed for higher passenger comfort, speed, and long-distance service.
Why did the Railway Ministry flag issues in the Vande Bharat Sleeper Train?
The ministry identified poor workmanship, sharp fittings, and maintenance concerns and requested immediate improvements before commercial operations.
How fast can the Vande Bharat Sleeper Train run?
The train is sanctioned for operations up to 160 km/h under RDSO’s safety and performance standards.
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