First look at India’s Vande Bharat Sleeper train

Vande Bharat sleeper train was unveiled by Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw at BEML Bengaluru. The train has a testing speed of 180 kmph and a maximum operating speed of 160 kmph

For the first time, the minister hinted at the fare for the new sleeper coach, stating, "This is for the middle class, so the fare will be affordable, benchmarked against the Rajdhani Express," he said.

Internationally, manufacturing a coach costs nearly ₹10 crore, but the Vande Bharat sleeper coach is more affordable at ₹8 to ₹9 crore due to its indigenous design.

The sleeper train is designed for long-distance, overnight journeys, integrating innovative safety measures and passenger comfort features.

Passenger amenities are enhanced with reading lamps, charging outlets, snack tables, and mobile/magazine holders, catering to the needs of modern travelers.

Key features of the sleeper coaches include wider berths, enhanced lighting, and more spacious toilets, ensuring a more comfortable and convenient travel experience for passengers.

Built on the Vande Bharat platform, the sleeper train is designed for long-distance, overnight journeys, integrating innovative safety measures and passenger comfort features.

The Vande Bharat sleeper train will undergo rigorous testing, with passenger operations expected to commence within the next three months after successful trials.

The train will consist of 16 coaches, including 11 3AC, 4 2AC, and 1 1AC coach, offering a total of 823 berths, designed to accommodate diverse passenger needs.

The unveiling marks a significant step in India's rail transformation, with four train configurations in development: Vande Chair Car, Sleeper, Metro, and Amrit Bharat.