Vaishnaw inspects first Vande Bharat sleeper train; PM Modi to inaugurate
Railways Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw on Saturday inspected the first Vande Bharat sleeper train in the national Capital, which will run from Guwahati to Kolkata. He also informed that Prime Minister Narendra Modi will inaugurate the Vande Bharat sleeper train after the CRS inspection and subsequent certification shortly.
Explaining about the features of the train, Vaishnaw said, “If you look at the stairs, they are ergonomically designed for climbing. You will see many features; there are different features for holding the tray, and the shades are designed in such a way that you can easily control the amount of light and sunlight you want. Braille has been used everywhere. Even the seat numbers have Braille. Many things have been kept in mind to ensure a comfortable journey for the passengers. A lot of attention has been paid to the details.”
Following inspections, Vaishnaw said that PM Modi has resolved to transform the railways completely, and Vande Bharat sleeper trains for overnight journeys are new efforts in this direction.
He conveyed that Vande Bharat sleeper trains are fitted with the Kavach system, which is an Automatic Train Protection (ATP) system designed to prevent accidents by monitoring speeds, enforcing signals, and automatically applying brakes to stop collisions, overspeeding, and Signal Passing at Danger (SPAD).
“PM has a resolve, a vision, to transform the railways completely, and the Vande Sleeper train for overnight journeys is a new effort in that direction. The design of this train is completely new. Every aspect has been designed with passenger comfort and safety in mind. CCTV cameras are pre-fitted, and the Kavach system is also installed. The braking system has been programmed in a completely new way. For passenger comfort, the seats have been designed in a new way,” the Railways Minister said and he further conveyed that the fare of this train has been kept reasonable.
He further said, “The Prime Minister has always inspired us to make the railways a mode of transport for the middle class and low-income families. Keeping this in mind, the fare has also been kept very reasonable. The Prime Minister will inaugurate it very soon, which will run between Guwahati and Kolkata. The train will depart from both sides in the evening and reach its destination the following morning.”
Indian Railways successfully completed the final high-speed trial of the indigenously designed and manufactured Vande Bharat Sleeper Train on December 31 under the supervision of the Commissioner of Railway Safety (CRS).
Union Minister further said that the Vande Bharat Sleeper train will be introduced for overnight journeys of around 1,500 km. “Passengers can board the train in the evening and reach their destination the next morning,” he said, adding that the trains will be introduced across all States, including Kerala.
Vande Bharat Sleeper train features
- Total coaches: 16 (11 coaches 3 Tier; 4 coaches 2 Tier; 1 coach 1AC)
- Passenger capacity: 823 (3T: 611 + 2T:188 + 1st AC:24)
- Semi-high-speed train with design speed up to 180 kmph
- Ergonomically designed berths with improved cushioning
- Automatic doors with vestibules for smooth movement
- Enhanced ride comfort with superior suspension and noise reduction
- Kavach & Emergency talk-back system
- Disinfectant technology to maintain high sanitation
- Driver cab with advanced controls and safety systems
- Aerodynamic exterior looks & Automatic exterior passenger doors
