Indian Railway News: Indian Railways is working on a new 24-coach Vande Bharat Sleeper train to make long-distance overnight travel easy. This new train will have more space for passengers, improved interiors and better facilities like pantry car, making serving food more easier during long journeys. These improvements are likely to make it more convenient then Rajdhani Express.
When will the new train be ready?
Reportedly, these 24-coach Vande Bharat sleeper trains will be developed by the Chennai-based Integral Coach Factory (ICF) and they have been tasked with making 50 such trains. Design work for the new version of sleeper trains is underway, while the prototype is planned for the first half of 2027. According to reports, the train could be launched by June 2027. However, this is just a planned date, the final timeline might change.
New 24-Coach Vande Bharat Sleeper Train: Facilities
Although the new train will be based on the existing sleeper train design, but it will have several facilities. Let's have a look at some of them.
- These trains will have more space to accommodate more passengers.
- They will also have pantry cars, where food can be heated and served onboard during long travels.
- Berths will be designed to make overnight journeys more comfortable, with better arrangements for upper berth access.
- These trains will also have special night lights, CCTV cameras, and display screens for better security.
- The train will have bio-vacuum toilets, accessible toilets for passengers with disabilities, and baby care stations.
- First AC passengers will also get hot water shower facilities.
- The train will be equipped with the indigenous Kavach anti-collision system.
- They will also have automatic inter-coach doors and sealed gangways.
- Passengers will also get the facility of emergency communication, meaning, they will be able to contact the loco pilot during an emergency.
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24-Coach Vande Bharat Sleeper Train: Speed
The train is expected to run at a speed of up to 160 km/h. However, its testing speed could reach 180 km/h. The actual running speed will depend on the condition of the track and railway infrastructure.
Will the 24-Coach Vande Bharat Sleeper be better than Rajdhani Express?
We all know how popular is the Rajdhani Express trains due to its premium long-distance travel. However, the Vande Bharat Sleeper aims to offer a better travel experience with improved berths, better interiors and advanced safety systems. With a pantry car and better sleeping arrangements, the newly developed train could make overnight journeys more convenient. If everything goes according to plan, its first version could be ready for launch by June 2027.