New Delhi: The first prototype of the Vande Bharat sleeper trainset has been produced and is set to undergo field trials. The train’s rollout timeline will depend on the successful completion of these trials said the Union Government on Friday.

Union Minister of Railways, Information & Broadcasting, and Electronics & Information Technology, Ashwini Vaishnaw, in response to a question in the Rajya Sabha during the ongoing Parliament session stated, “As on 02nd December, 2024, 136 Vande Bharat train services, with Chair Car Coaches, are running across the Indian Railways network.

However, as the Railway network straddles across State boundaries, trains are introduced, as per network requirement, across such boundaries. Besides, introduction of new train services, including Vande Bharat services and its variants, is an ongoing process on Indian Railways subject to traffic justification, operational feasibility, resource availability, etc.

Presently, Vande Bharat Sleeper Trains planned for long and medium distance journey are equipped with modern features and passenger amenities. Some of the distinguished features and amenities of these trains are as under:

i. Fitted with KAVACH.

ii. EN-45545 HL3 fire safety standards compliant train.

iii. Crashworthy and Jerk-Free Semi permanent couplers and Anti Climbers.

iv. Crashworthy Design of Carbody complying with EN standards.

v. Regenerative braking system for energy efficiency.

vi. Higher Average speed with quick deceleration and acceleration.

vii. Emergency talk-back unit for communication between Passenger and Train Manager/Loco Pilot in case of emergency.

viii. Accommodation and accessible toilets for Passengers with Restricted Mobility (PRM)

in the driving coaches on each end.

ix. Centrally controlled Automatic Plug Doors and Fully Sealed wider gangways.

x. Ergonomically designed ladder for ease of climbing on to upper berths.

xi. Centralized Coach Monitoring System for better condition monitoring of passenger amenities such as Air conditioning, Saloon Lighting etc.

xii. CCTV surveillance cameras in all coaches.

The first prototype of Vande Bharat Sleeper trainset has been manufactured and will undergo field trials. The timeline of rollout of train is subject to successful completion of the trials.” DeshGujarat