New Delhi: The testing and high-speed trials of the Vande Bharat Sleeper train have been completed successfully under the Commissioner of Railway Safety’s (CRS) supervision. The indigenously designed and manufactured train is now ready to be rolled out for passengers, Railways minister Ashwini Vaishnaw announced on Thursday.
The first Vande Bharat Express train will run between Guwahati and Kolkata. Prime Minister Narendra Modi will flag off the inaugural service in the next 15-20 days, the Railways minister informed at a press conference.
The Union minister informed that the fare for the Guwahati-Howrah route will be around Rs 2,300 for AC 3 Tier coaches, about Rs 3,000 for AC 2 Tier and Rs 3,600 for First Class AC.
Vaishnaw pointed out that airfares on the same route are in the range between Rs 6,000 and Rs 10,000, which makes the sleeper train a more affordable option.
The sleeper version of the high-speed service marks a significant milestone in India’s journey towards advanced and self-reliant rail technology, Vaishnaw said, adding that the chair car variant had received an overwhelming response and led to widespread demand for next-generation trains over longer distances across the country.
During the recent high-speed trial on the Kota-Nagda section, the train clocked a top speed of 180 kmph.
The 16-coach Vande Bharat sleeper train, designed for journeys of over 1,000 kilometres, is aimed at providing faster, safer and more comfortable overnight travel.
The train will have modern amenities like comfortable berths, automatic doors, modern toilets, CCTV surveillance, fire detection systems, digital information displays and energy-efficient technologies. Safety features include the KAVACH system, crashworthy couplers, improved fire protection, emergency communication units and special facilities for Divyangjan passengers.
Indian Railways will induct 12 Vande Bharat sleeper trains into network by the end of this year, with a faster expansion being planned next year.
The 16-coach sleeper rake has been developed for long-distance travel and includes modern amenities such as comfortable berths, automatic doors, modern toilets, CCTV surveillance, fire detection systems, digital information displays and energy-efficient technologies. Safety features include the KAVACH system, crashworthy couplers, improved fire protection, emergency communication units and special facilities for Divyangjan passengers.
