Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw has revealed the body structure of the Vande Bharat’s sleeper coaches at the Bharat Earth Movers Limited (BEML) facility in Bengaluru, Karnataka. This marks a significant development in the expansion of the Vande Bharat train series.
Introduction of Sleeper Variant
The Vande Bharat train series encompasses three versions: chair car, sleeper, and metro. While the chair car version has already been launched by the government, the unveiling of the sleeper variant opens up new possibilities for passenger travel comfort and convenience. Vaishnaw emphasized that the focus of these sleeper coaches is to enhance passenger comfort significantly.
Features and Advancements
Vaishnaw highlighted several key features of the Vande Bharat sleeper coaches aimed at improving the overall travel experience. These include enhancements in the foot area on the ladder, new designs for toilets, better control of air conditioning, improved seat cushioning technology, and maintenance of oxygen levels inside the coaches. Moreover, the coaches boast advanced virus elimination technology, ensuring a safer environment for passengers amidst health concerns.
The minister also emphasized the cost-effectiveness of the Vande Bharat sleeper coaches compared to similar offerings in developed countries. While such coaches typically cost around ₹10 crore, the Vande Bharat Sleeper Coach comes at a more economical ₹8-9 crore. This cost efficiency is attributed to in-house manufacturing processes leveraging indigenous manpower and technology.
Top features:
Modern passenger amenities
Modular pantry
Crash-worthy features
Best-in-class interiors with GFRP panels
Public announcement and visual information system
Aerodynamic exterior looks
Special berths and toilets for differently-abled
Ergonomically designed odour-free toilet system
Automatic exterior passenger doors
Sensor-based intercommunication
Fire safety as per EN 45545, Hazard Level: 03
Shower with hot water in 1st AC car
Noise insulation and mitigation measures for a silent saloon space
Production and Future Prospects
BEML, the manufacturing partner for the Vande Bharat Sleeper Coaches, has received an order to produce 160 units of these coaches. BEML CMD Shantanu Roy expressed enthusiasm about the project, highlighting the company’s commitment to delivering world-class facilities while minimizing travel time. He emphasized that the entire manufacturing and assembly process is conducted in-house, underscoring BEML’s dedication to quality and precision.
In summary, the unveiling of the Vande Bharat’s sleeper coaches marks a significant step forward in enhancing India’s rail infrastructure and passenger amenities. With a focus on comfort, safety, and cost-effectiveness, these coaches are poised to revolutionize the travel experience for passengers across the country.
