Prototype of Vande Bharat sleeper trainset to undergo field trials: Centre
The aerodynamic cab can withstand impacts up to 36 km/h, with crash buffers and anti-climbers
By Sri Lakshmi Muttevi Published on 7 Dec 2024 8:47 AM IST
Prototype of Vande Bharat sleeper trainset set to undergo field trials
New Delhi: The first prototype of the Vande Bharat sleeper trainset has been manufactured and will undergo field trials soon.
In a written reply to a question in the Rajya Sabha, Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw added that the timeline for the rollout of the train is subject to a successful completion of the trials.
According to the minister, the Vande Bharat sleeper trains, planned for long and medium-distance journeys, are equipped with modern features and passenger amenities.
The production of the prototype of the Vande Bharat Sleeper coaches by Kinet is a joint venture (JV) between Russian transportation firm Transmashholding (TMH) and Indian PSU Rail Vikas Nigam (RVNL). The testing phase will progress through various speeds, starting at 90 kmph and ultimately reaching 180 kmph, with the process expected to conclude by mid-January 2025.
The contract agreement, which is called manufacturing-cum-maintenance agreement (MCMA), was signed on September 27, 2023, between Kinet Railway Solutions Limited and the Indian Railways. The total cost of the Vande Bharat Sleeper project is USD 6.5 billion, which includes approximately USD 1.7 billion for the manufacture of the rolling stock and USD 4.8 billion for its maintenance over 35 years.
Some of the distinguished features and amenities of these trains include the automatic train protection system Kavach, the latest fire-safety standards compliance, crashworthy and jerk-free semi-permanent couplers and anti-climbers, a regenerative braking system for energy efficiency, higher average speed with quick deceleration and acceleration, among others.
As per the MCMA, Kinet will supply a total of 1,920 Vande Bharat Sleeper coaches to the Indian Railways.
Each Vande Bharat sleeper train set will have 16 coaches, which the railways plan to increase to 24 shortly. The Vande Bharat sleeper train has a capacity of 823 passengers and all 16 coaches are air-conditioned.
Features you must know:
1. Designed for 160 kmph speed, the Vande Bharat Sleeper Express features 16 coaches, including 11 AC three-tier, four AC two-tier, and one AC first-class, offering a total of 823 passenger berths.
2. Advanced lighting, USB charging, and a dedicated dog box ensure a comfortable journey. The train also has ample luggage space in each Driving Trailer Coach (DTC).
3. Fresh meals are available through large, medium, and small pantries, with fixed and foldable snack tables for a comfortable dining experience.
4. The aerodynamic cab can withstand impacts up to 36 km/h, with crash buffers and anti-climbers integrated for enhanced passenger safety.
5. The train's HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning) system ensures uniform air conditioning throughout, providing consistent comfort.
6. Equipped with a Black Box that captures real-time data, enhancing safety through continuous performance analysis.
7. Vigilance Control Device requiring driver operation every minute, Fire Detection System, and HL3 safety compliance with a 15-minute response time ensure unparalleled safety.
8. The train offers 51 ergonomically designed toilets, with options for Euro, Oriental, and combination styles. First-class passengers enjoy shower facilities.
9. Bio-digester tanks with periodic bacteria changes every 6 months and 30-litre garbage compactors in each coach maintain high hygiene standards.
10. Fully air-conditioned loco cabs with dedicated toilets ensure the crew's well-being, enabling them to perform at their best.
136 Vande Bharat train services operational across the country:
As many as 136 medium-distance Vande Bharat train services with enhanced safety features and modern passenger amenities were operational as of November 21, 2024.
These safety features and modern passenger amenities include an automatic train protection system KAVACH, faster acceleration, fully-sealed gangway, automatic plug doors, better ride comfort, mini pantry with provision of hot case, bottle cooler, deep freezer, and hot water boiler, among many others.
