India is set to launch its first sleeper version of the Vande Bharat semi-high-speed train in the coming months. This train is being manufactured by BEML, a company based in Bengaluru. According to reports, nine sleeper racks of the Vande Bharat train will be ready by September. After that, at least two to three racks will be produced every month.
Until now, only the chair car version of the Vande Bharat train has been running on the tracks. There are plans to introduce these sleeper versions on all major routes across the country within the next three to four years.
Multiple reports suggest that there are discussions going on to operate a 16-coach sleeper Vande Bharat Express on the Patna-Delhi route. The maximum speed of the sleeper Vande Bharat train will be 130 km per hour.
Although the chair car version of the Vande Bharat Express has a capacity of 160 km per hour, it currently operates at a maximum speed of 130 km per hour. The same speed limit applies to all Vande Bharat trains running from Patna.
The Railway Safety Commission will soon inspect the sleeper Vande Bharat trains. The inspection is expected to be completed by August.
Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnav recently clarified that the way for the sleeper Vande Bharat to operate will be clear by mid-August.
