In a major boost to India's rail infrastructure, Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw has announced the nationwide rollout of the new Vande Bharat Sleeper trains, assuring that all states, including Kerala, will be covered under the expansion plan. The minister made this significant declaration after inspecting the first sleeper rake at the New Delhi railway station, which is poised for its inaugural run on the Howrah-Guwahati route later this month.
Nationwide Expansion and Inaugural Route
Addressing the media, Minister Vaishnaw emphasized the government's commitment to connecting every corner of the country with this modern rolling stock. "All states including Kerala will get Vande Bharat trains. Currently, the Vande Bharat Chair car version is operational in the state. We have ramped up the production," he stated. This clarifies that while Kerala already has the chair car variant, it will also receive the new sleeper coaches in the future.
The first of these sleeper services will revolutionize connectivity between East India and the Northeast. Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to flag off the Kolkata (Howrah)–Guwahati Vande Bharat Sleeper train. The service is designed for overnight journeys covering distances of approximately 1,500 km, allowing passengers to board in the evening and reach their destination by the next morning.
Enhanced Features and Passenger Safety
The design of the Vande Bharat Sleeper train prioritizes passenger comfort and security. The minister highlighted that every aspect, from ride quality to safety systems, has been meticulously planned. The train boasts several cutting-edge features:
- Advanced Safety: Integration of the indigenous Kavach train protection system, CCTV surveillance, and an emergency talk-back system.
- Superior Comfort: Ergonomically designed berths with improved cushioning, enhanced suspension for a smoother ride, and noise reduction technology.
- Modern Amenities: Automatic doors with vestibules, aerodynamic exterior, and disinfectant technology to maintain high sanitation standards.
The 16-coach configuration includes 11 AC 3-tier coaches, 4 AC 2-tier coaches, and 1 First AC coach, with a total passenger capacity of 823. It is a semi-high-speed train with a design speed of up to 180 kmph.
Production Ramp-Up and Future Schedule
Outlining the roadmap for deployment, Vaishnaw revealed an aggressive production and launch timeline. Following the inaugural Howrah-Guwahati service, 10 more Vande Bharat Sleeper trains (five pairs) will be added to the Indian Railways fleet by the end of this year, taking the total number to 12. The production capacity is being rapidly scaled up to meet this target and facilitate further expansion across all states.
This announcement marks a pivotal step in modernizing long-distance overnight travel in India, promising a faster, safer, and more comfortable journey experience on key routes spanning 1,000 to 1,500 kilometers.
