The first Vande Bharat Sleeper train service is scheduled to be inaugurated in Delhi within Indian Railways’ Semi-High-Speed Network development. The train service will incorporate long-distance routes via overnight, train journeys in modern times that focus on speed and comfort.

This is reported by the railway transport news portal Railway Supply.

Vande Bharat Sleeper to Launch on Key Routes from Delhi
Source: infra.economictimes.indiatimes.com

Vande Bharat Sleeper trains enter service soon

Indian Railways currently runs over 150 daytime Vande Bharat services in chair cars, but the new sleeper variant, which goes into production next month, can do overnight trips and reach close to 1,000 kilometers. Possible destinations are Ahmedabad, Patna, and Bhopal via Varanasi.

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The authorities commented that 24-car sleeper sets would operate at a maximum speed of 180 km/h and a service speed corresponding to 160 km/h. Accordingly, passengers will benefit from reduced journey time and improved train availability on peak routes.

Production and supply of sleeping cars

Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw confirmed in parliament that the Vande Bharat Sleeper design has been finalised and ten sets are already under production. 50 sets are also being manufactured in the Integral Coach Factory in Chennai.

Contracts for 200 more rakes have also been signed, envisaging large-scale induction in the coming few years. Meanwhile, the sleeper variant adds to existing production of 17,000 general and non-air conditioned coaches visualised in the coming five years.

Growing passenger volumes and network intensity

The currently in-service Vande Bharat workings average over 102 percent occupancy, evidencing robust demand. Sleeper trains will thus increase the network’s overnight capacity, offering passengers greater flexibility while relieving pressure on other workings.

Indian Railways is also increasing its fleet by adding new coach designs and expanding general class coverage. Additionally, all these actions are aligned with overall modernization plans in a bid to increase efficiency, reliability, and passenger comfort in the overall railway system.

What is the Vande Bharat Sleeper service?

The Vande Bharat Sleeper is Indian Railway’s new night train, made up of 24-car train sets, created with more speed and comfort, targeted at passengers who travel long-distance.

When will the first Vande Bharat Sleeper start services?

The service, according to officials, will be introduced in weeks from now. Initial routes are Delhi–Ahmedabad, Delhi–Patna, and Delhi–Bhopal via Varanasi.

How does the Vande Bharat Sleeper differ from the chair car variant?

While chair car trains are used mainly for day trips, the sleeper train allows overnight journeys with large capacity, higher speed, and higher degrees of comfort for travelers crossing medium and longer distances.

Source: infra.economictimes.indiatimes.com

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