In a significant development for Indian Railways, plans are underway to introduce a Sleeper Vande Bharat Express and Vande Metro train next year, marking an expansion of the popular Vande Bharat series.
Sleeper Vande Bharat Express to Debut in March 2024
The country’s eagerly awaited Sleeper Vande Bharat Express is expected to make its debut as early as March 2024, according to a railway official.
Manufactured at the Integral Coach Factory, this new version aims to provide a more comfortable travel experience compared to the existing chair car Vande Bharat Express.
Vande Metro: A New Addition to the Rail Network
In addition to the sleeper coach, the Railways is gearing up for the introduction of the Vande Metro train. This 12-coach metro service, designed for short routes, is slated to roll out in January 2024.
However, preparations are on track for a launch before the end of this calendar year. The Vande Metro will cater to non-air conditioned passengers, offering a cost-effective travel option.
Variety in Vande Bharat Series
With the inclusion of the sleeper coach and Vande Metro, the Vande Bharat series will now feature three distinct versions – the chair car, sleeper coach, and Vande Metro.
This expansion reflects Indian Railways’ commitment to providing diverse travel options to passengers.
Consortiums Behind the Developments
The consortium responsible for manufacturing the Sleeper Vande Bharat comprises Rail Vikas Nigam Limited (RVNL) and the TMH Group of Russia.
They secured the contract to produce 120 out of the 200 sleeper Vande Bharat trains, with the remaining 80 trains being supplied by the consortium of Titagarh Wagons and BHEL.
Faster and Spacious Sleeper Vande Bharat
The Sleeper Vande Bharat Express promises a top speed of 160 km per hour, providing a swift and comfortable journey.
It will consist of 16 coaches, including 11 AC3, four AC2, and one AC1 coach, with the possibility of expanding to 20 or 24 coaches in the future.
As these new additions take shape, Indian Railways continues to innovate and enhance the travel experience for passengers across the country, catering to various preferences and needs.
