Indian Railways Unveils Vande Bharat Sleeper Train
Indian Railways is set to revolutionize train travel in India with the introduction of the Vande Bharat sleeper train. This new train promises to offer a superior travel experience compared to the existing Rajdhani Express. U Subba Rao, General Manager of the Integral Coach Factory (ICF) in Chennai, shared insights about this innovative project in a recent interview. The Vande Bharat sleeper train is designed to enhance speed, comfort, and overall passenger experience.
Vande Bharat Sleeper Train: A New Era of Comfort
The Vande Bharat sleeper train is a significant upgrade from traditional sleeper trains. It will feature a total of 10 trains, each with 16 coaches. The production of these trains is a collaborative effort between ICF and BEML. The first prototype has already been dispatched for field trials after undergoing necessary modifications.
Extensive testing has been conducted to ensure the train’s performance. An oscillation trial was carried out on the Mahoba-Khajuraho section of the North Central Railway, achieving a maximum test speed of 115 km/h. Further trials reached speeds of 180 km/h on the Nagda-Kota-Sawai Madhopur section of the West Central Railway. The operational speed is expected to be 160 km/h, which is significantly higher than that of the Rajdhani Express.
In terms of comfort, the Vande Bharat sleeper train is designed to provide a much smoother ride. It boasts improved interiors and furnishings, making it more passenger-friendly. The train’s faster acceleration and deceleration capabilities will allow it to reach higher average speeds compared to other trains. With these advancements, the Vande Bharat sleeper train aims to set a new standard in Indian rail travel.
NaMo Bharat Trains: A Step Towards Modernization
In addition to the Vande Bharat sleeper train, Indian Railways is also working on the NaMo Bharat trains, also known as Vande Metro. These trains are fully air-conditioned and designed for day travel, featuring one toilet per coach. The first rake was a prototype, and while there are currently no trains in the production pipeline, orders for seven more trains have been placed. Tenders for propulsion systems have already been floated, with production expected to begin in the next financial year.
The NaMo Bharat trains aim to provide a modern travel experience for commuters. They are part of Indian Railways’ broader strategy to enhance passenger services and meet the growing demand for efficient and comfortable travel options. As urbanization increases, the need for reliable day travel solutions becomes more critical. The NaMo Bharat trains are expected to play a vital role in addressing this need.
Future Plans: Expanding the Vande Bharat Fleet
The Vande Bharat train series has seen significant success since its launch. So far, 81 trains of version 2 have been produced, with an additional order for 97 trains in the pipeline. The production of longer 20-car trains has been initiated due to the popularity of the Vande Bharat series. This shift has caused a slight delay in rolling out new trains, but the overall production numbers remain on track.
ICF is also preparing to manufacture 50 Amrit Bharat trains, with plans to produce six of them in the current fiscal year. These trains will feature a mix of general and second-class coaches, along with a pantry car. The introduction of these new trains reflects Indian Railways’ commitment to modernizing its fleet and improving passenger services.
High-Speed Train Initiatives: The Future of Rail Travel
Indian Railways is not stopping at the Vande Bharat and NaMo Bharat trains. The organization is also exploring the development of high-speed trains, akin to bullet trains. These trains will operate at speeds exceeding 250 km/h, requiring advanced aerodynamics and noise insulation technologies.
ICF is collaborating with BEML to produce two 8-car bullet trains, which will be tested on the Ahmedabad-Mumbai corridor. This initiative is part of a larger vision to establish high-speed rail corridors across India. As the demand for faster travel options grows, Indian Railways is taking proactive steps to ensure it is prepared for the future of rail travel.
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