Vande Bharat Sleeper Train Production Accelerates with Two New Rakes Next Month
While anticipation continues to build for India's second Vande Bharat sleeper service, significant progress is being made in the manufacturing process. Bengaluru-based public sector undertaking Bharat Earth Movers Ltd (BEML) is set to ready two additional sleeper rakes by next month, paving the way for the official flag-off of the second service.
Original Delivery Deadline Missed, New Timeline Established
According to the original agreement between BEML and the Integral Coach Factory (ICF) in Chennai, a total of 10 sleeper rakes—each comprising 16 coaches—were scheduled for delivery to Indian Railways by March 31. However, sources within ICF confirm this deadline will not be met.
"We expect the third and fourth rakes of Vande Bharat to be delivered before the end of March," an ICF official stated. "For the six remaining rakes, we are working diligently to ensure delivery of one rake every month thereafter."
The official further explained, "Currently, a new tentative deadline for the initial batch of 10 coaches could be August. Even after delivery from Bengaluru, these rakes must undergo comprehensive trials, testing, and regulatory approvals, so there is no advantage to rushing the process."
Railway Ministry Announces Ambitious Expansion Plans
With growing demand for more Vande Bharat sleeper trains, particularly from Karnataka, the Railway Ministry has officially announced plans to manufacture 260 additional rakes in the future. Responding to a Lok Sabha question last week, Union Railways Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw detailed the phased execution of the Vande Bharat sleeper train manufacturing program.
"The Vande Bharat sleeper train manufacturing program is being executed systematically through prototype development, rigorous trials, and series production by BEML and Integral Coach Factory, Chennai, in collaboration with technology partners," Minister Vaishnaw stated.
ICF Confirms Independent Manufacturing Initiative
While ICF acknowledges the project remains in the design stage and will only proceed following completion of the initial 10-rake batch, sources within the factory reveal independent manufacturing plans. A BEML spokesperson confirmed that no such order has been undertaken by the PSU at this time.
Despite official plans for 260 additional Vande Bharat sleeper rakes, ICF sources confirm the factory will independently manufacture 50 more rakes. These particular trains will differ from the standard configuration, featuring 24 coaches along with pantry cars, enhancing passenger capacity and amenities.
The development represents a significant step forward in India's railway modernization efforts, with the Vande Bharat sleeper trains expected to revolutionize overnight travel across the country once fully operational.
