Vande Bharat Sleeper Train Aces Crucial High-Speed Trial
In a significant step towards revolutionizing overnight travel in India, the much-anticipated Vande Bharat Sleeper train successfully completed its trial run on the busy Ahmedabad to Mumbai route. The test, conducted on Friday, November 14, 2025, demonstrated the train's performance capabilities, achieving a maximum speed of 130 kilometres per hour, which railway officials have declared satisfactory.
Journey Details and Impressive Timings
The trial commenced from Ahmedabad at 9:20 am, showcasing impressive punctuality and speed. The train made its first major stop in Surat at 11:20 am, covering the distance in a swift two hours. It then proceeded to its final destination, Mumbai Central, arriving at approximately 1:30 pm. This semi-high-speed sleeper train effectively proved its mettle by completing the entire Ahmedabad to Mumbai journey in about four hours, a promising indicator for future commercial schedules.
Technical Specifications and Upcoming Tests
This crucial trial was executed using the second rake, comprising 16 coaches, and is being managed by the Research Design and Standards Organisation (RDSO). The train utilizes specially modified bogies to enhance stability and comfort at higher speeds. Following the positive outcome of the November 14 trial, the railway authorities have a detailed plan for further validation.
Sources within the Western Railway confirmed that the test rake was positioned on the pit line in Ahmedabad for final equipment fitment, calibration, and magneto phone setup. The next phase involves a special Confirmatory Oscillograph Car Run (COCR) trial. This technical run is scheduled for November 15 on the Ahmedabad-Vadodara-Mumbai Central section, again targeting a top speed of 130 km/h. A return direction COCR trial on the Mumbai Central-Vadodara-Ahmedabad section will follow on November 16.
Coordinated Efforts and Future Decisions
These trials are a coordinated effort, with the RDSO team being accompanied by officers from various critical departments, including Operating, Mechanical, Engineering, Electrical, Signal & Telecommunication, and Security. The Indian Railways has issued strict instructions to ensure all necessary arrangements—such as power supply, recording stations, and security—are in place to prevent any disruptions during this critical testing period.
Commenting on the development, Western Railway Chief Public Relations Officer Vineet Abhishek clarified, "This is only a trial run of the Vande Bharat sleeper version train. We did a successful trial between Ahmedabad and Mumbai Central on November 14. After the trial, the railway board will decide which route or which rail zone this train will run." This statement confirms that the final decision on the train's operational route rests with the Railway Board, pending the successful completion of all technical trials.
