Indian Railways Unveils Ambitious Plan for 260 Vande Bharat Sleeper Trainsets
In a significant development for India's railway infrastructure, Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw has announced comprehensive plans for the manufacturing of 260 Vande Bharat Sleeper trainsets. This ambitious initiative represents a major step forward in enhancing long-distance passenger travel across the country.
Phased Induction Based on Demand and Operational Readiness
During a written statement presented in Lok Sabha on Wednesday, Minister Vaishnaw detailed that the induction of these advanced trainsets into regular passenger service will be executed in a carefully structured phased manner. The rollout strategy will be fundamentally guided by actual passenger demand and the operational readiness of railway infrastructure across various routes.
The minister emphasized that the introduction of new train services, including the Vande Bharat Sleeper variant, on any specific route or section depends on multiple critical factors. These essential considerations include the existing capacity of railway sections, availability of operational paths, presence of required rolling stock, matching infrastructure compatibility, and maintenance requirements of railway tracks and other vital assets.
Current Operational Status and Indigenous Development
Presently, two fully manufactured Vande Bharat Sleeper trainsets are already operational, running on the Howrah-Kamakhya and Kamakhya-Howrah routes. These trains have been specifically designed and developed indigenously to cater to long-distance journeys extending up to 1,500 kilometers, marking a substantial achievement in India's self-reliance in railway technology.
Minister Vaishnaw highlighted that the development process for new rolling stocks like the Vande Sleeper requires a holistic approach that combines technological innovation with strategic planning and manufacturing excellence. This comprehensive methodology ensures safe, reliable, and comfortable travel experiences for passengers across the nation.
Manufacturing Strategy and Production Partners
The manufacturing program for Vande Bharat Sleeper trains is being systematically executed through a structured process involving:
- Initial prototype development
- Extensive testing and trials
- Series production phases
This manufacturing initiative is being carried out through collaboration between BEML and Integral Coach Factory in Chennai, along with various technology partners. The minister noted that this phased production approach allows for thorough validation at each stage, ensuring the highest standards of quality and performance before full-scale deployment.
The development of the Vande Bharat Sleeper variant represents a significant milestone in India's railway modernization efforts, combining indigenous engineering expertise with passenger-centric design to transform long-distance travel experiences across the country's extensive rail network.
