Vande Bharat Sleeper, Vande Metro Updates: Indian Rail Two new trains are set to be launched for passengers in the coming days. Railway officials told the Times of India that the Vande Bharat Sleeper train, which is expected to be far better than the Rajdhani Express trains, will be ready for trial runs by August 15. Meanwhile, officials said another new train of the Indian Railways, the Vande Metro, is ready this time for short-distance intercity travel and its trial runs will begin soon.
Indian Railways is currently developing a sleeper version of the Vande Bharat train, after the successful introduction of the chair car version.The sleeper train is expected to have better features than existing premium overnight travel options such as the Rajdhani Express and Tejas Express. BEML is building the first prototype.
On the other hand, the Vande Metro, also known as Vande Bharat Metro, is inspired by the semi-high speed Vande Bharat Express and aims to replace train travel for short distances.
We take a look at the special features of the Vande Bharat Sleeper and Vande Metro trains:
Indian Railways is currently developing a sleeper version of the Vande Bharat train, after the successful introduction of the chair car version.The sleeper train is expected to have better features than existing premium overnight travel options such as the Rajdhani Express and Tejas Express. BEML is building the first prototype.
On the other hand, the Vande Metro, also known as Vande Bharat Metro, is inspired by the semi-high speed Vande Bharat Express and aims to replace train travel for short distances.
We take a look at the special features of the Vande Bharat Sleeper and Vande Metro trains:
Vande Bharat Sleeper: Key Features
- The Vande Bharat Sleeper prototype will have 16 coaches, including 11 AC 3 tier coaches, 4 AC 2 tier coaches and one AC first coach.
- The total berth capacity of the train will be 823 passengers, comprising 611 in AC 3 tier, 188 in AC 2 tier and 24 in AC first class.
- The berths will have extra cushioning, which will be better than Rajdhani Express trains. There will be good cushioning on the sides of each berth to ensure a comfortable travel experience.
- The interiors of the new Vande Bharat Sleeper will have a soothing colour scheme, with shades of cream, yellow and wood creating a pleasant ambiance.
- Better designed stairs will make it easier for passengers to reach the upper and middle berths.
- Sensor-based lighting will be installed in common areas, while energy-efficient overhead lighting will provide adequate illumination.
- Stripes will be placed on the floor of corridor areas to facilitate movement at night.
- Vande Bharat Sleeper will have sensor based inter communication doors, sound insulation and mitigation measures for quieter saloon space, special berths and toilets for the differently abled, automatic entry/exit passenger doors.
- To ensure a smooth and comfortable journey, the Vande Bharat sleeper train will use semi-permanent couplers, similar to the couplers used in the existing Vande Bharat chair car trains. This technology will reduce jerks and provide a more pleasant travel experience for passengers.
- The Vande Bharat sleeper train will have fully sealed gangways, allowing easy movement between coaches. Passengers can expect a well-regulated air-conditioning system that maintains a comfortable temperature and a dust-free environment, just like the Vande Bharat chair car trains.
- The exterior design of the Vande Bharat sleeper train will be inspired by the “valour of the eagles”, featuring sleek lines and a “fierce aura”.
- The semi-high speed Vande Bharat Sleeper train will be capable of reaching speeds of up to 160 kmph, with prototypes also being tested at higher speeds of up to 180 kmph.
Vande Metro: Key Features
- The Vande Metro is a self-propelled train set, similar to the Vande Bharat Express, which means it does not require a locomotive to pull it. The main goal behind the development of the Vande Metro is to replace mainline EMU trains and provide faster and more comfortable travel options to passengers.
- Vande Metro trains will use rapid acceleration and deceleration technology to reach a maximum operating speed of 130 kmph, much higher than the speed of current mainline EMUs.
- The Vande Metro trains will be fitted with modern design lightweight cushioned seats, with each coach capable of seating 100 passengers with additional standing space for 200 persons. The lightweight car body will contribute to the overall efficiency and performance of the train.
- Initially, Vande Metro trains will have fully air-conditioned coaches. Vande Metro trains will be equipped with modern facilities to ensure comfortable and efficient travel for passengers travelling short distances.
- These trains will also have completely sealed gangways, making movement between coaches easier and will also have a dust-free environment like the Vande Bharat Express.
- Vande Metro will have lightweight aluminium luggage racks and a passenger information system with LCD displays. Passengers will get automatic entry and exit doors, mobile charging sockets, diffused lighting, route indicator display and wide panoramic sealed windows with roller blinds.
- In terms of safety, the Vande Metro trains will be equipped with Kavach train anti-collision system, CCTV cameras, emergency talk-back units and automatic fire detection and alarm systems. The trains will also have modular toilets with bio-vacuum systems.
- The number of coaches in each Vande Metro train will be 12 or 16, depending on the demand of the specific route. According to a TOI report, railway officials have indicated that Vande Metro trains are expected to be operated on various routes including Agra-Mathura, Delhi-Rewari, Lucknow-Kanpur, Tirupati-Chennai and Bhubaneswar-Balasore.
- Vande Metro was first announced by Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw in February 2023. Currently, two prototypes are being built at RCF Kapurthala and ICF Chennai. These prototypes will now be extensively tested.