The Vande Bharat sleeper train, a significant addition to India’s railway fleet, has recently completed a successful trial run on the Khajuraho-Mahoba route, reaching speeds of up to 130 km/h. This trial was conducted by the Research Designs and Standards Organisation (RDSO) to assess the train’s performance and safety standards.
Manufactured collaboratively by Bharat Earth Movers Limited (BEML) and the Integral Coach Factory (ICF) in Chennai, the train underwent quality inspections before being dispatched for field trials. The sleeper version of the Vande Bharat train is designed to offer enhanced comfort for long-distance overnight journeys, featuring modern amenities and advanced safety systems, including the indigenous KAVACH technology.
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The trial run on the Khajuraho-Mahoba route is a pivotal step toward the train’s commercial deployment. The Vande Bharat sleeper trains are expected to operate at a maximum permissible speed of 160 km/h, aiming to reduce travel time and provide a superior travel experience compared to existing services like the Rajdhani Express.
Indian Railways plans to introduce 10 Vande Bharat sleeper trains by the end of the financial year 2024-25, with further expansion in subsequent years. The successful trial run marks a significant milestone in this initiative, bringing the Indian Railways closer to offering faster and more comfortable overnight travel options for passengers across the country.