Indian Railways has marked a historic moment with the grand unveiling of the country's first Vande Bharat Sleeper train. The much-anticipated first look of this overnight travel marvel was revealed at New Delhi Railway Station, with Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw personally leading the inspection. The elegant 16-coach train, a result of years of engineering and design effort, is poised to redefine long-distance rail travel in India and is set for its official launch soon.
Unmatched Passenger Comfort and Amenities
Designed specifically for overnight journeys, the fully air-conditioned sleeper train is packed with passenger-centric features. The focus on comfort is evident in its ergonomically designed sleeper berths with comfortable cushioning. Significant attention has been paid to detail, including adjustable window shades, individual reading lights, and spacious tray holders. The coaches are also equipped with hangers, magazine holders, and deep wash basins to minimise water splashes.
In a commendable move towards inclusivity, the train features Braille-labeled seat numbers for visually impaired passengers. Modern automatic doors with vestibules ensure smooth and safe movement between coaches, enhancing the overall travel experience.
Advanced Safety, Speed, and Capacity
Safety is paramount in this new offering. The coaches are integrated with the indigenous Kavach automatic train protection system for collision avoidance. Additional safety and comfort features include emergency talk-back units for real-time crew communication, superior suspension systems, and noise-reduction technology.
While the train has achieved speeds of up to 180 km/h during trials, its operational speed for overnight service will be between 120–130 km/h. The train has a total passenger capacity of 823 berths, distributed across 11 AC 3-tier coaches (611 berths), 4 AC 2-tier coaches (188 berths), and 1 AC First Class coach (24 berths). The journey fare, which includes meals, is set at INR 2,300 for 3AC, INR 3,000 for 2AC, and INR 3,600 for 1AC.
Hygiene, Security, and a Key New Route
The train promises a hygienic travel environment with modern, spray-prevention designed toilets. Onboard pantry facilities will ensure food service is available throughout the journey. Security across all coaches is bolstered by comprehensive CCTV surveillance.
The first sleeper Vande Bharat is slated to run on the Howrah–Guwahati route, creating a vital link between West Bengal and Assam. This service is remarkable as it will reduce travel time by more than three hours compared to existing services. This comfort-driven train represents a beautiful fusion of technological ambition and passenger needs, writing a new chapter in India's rail transport history.
