Revolutionizing Indian Railways: The Vande Bharat Sleeper

In an exclusive interview with The Times of India, U Subba Rao, General Manager of Indian Railways’ Integral Coach Factory (ICF) in Chennai, revealed groundbreaking updates on the future of Indian Railways. The Vande Bharat sleeper train, a new addition to the Indian Railways fleet, promises to surpass the Rajdhani Express in both speed and comfort. With a potential operational speed of 160 kmph, the Vande Bharat sleeper has undergone extensive trials, including a successful test at 180 kmph, showcasing its superior acceleration and deceleration capabilities.

What Sets Vande Bharat Apart?

According to Rao, the Vande Bharat sleeper offers enhanced passenger comfort, with interiors and furnishings that are a cut above the rest. The train, currently in a 16-coach configuration, is set to expand to 24 coaches, with production timelines extending over the next two years. The Railway Board will decide on the routes for these advanced trains, marking a significant leap in India's rail travel experience.

NaMo Bharat and the Future of Urban Transit

Rao also shared updates on the NaMo Bharat trains, designed for day travel with fully air-conditioned coaches and one toilet per coach. With orders for seven more trains and tenders for propulsion systems already floated, the production of these trains is expected to commence in the next financial year, further enhancing urban transit solutions.

Amrit Bharat Trains: A New Era of Connectivity

Indian Railways is also set to manufacture 50 new Amrit Bharat trains, with ICF and RCF Kapurthala each producing 25. These 22-coach trains will feature a mix of general and second-class coaches, along with a pantry car, aiming to roll out six improved versions this fiscal year. This initiative underscores Indian Railways' commitment to modernizing its fleet and improving passenger experience.

High-Speed Dreams: The Bullet Train Project

Looking towards the future, Indian Railways is venturing into the realm of high-speed travel with its first bullet train project. Collaborating with BEML, ICF is working on producing two 8-car bullet trains, which will be tested on the Ahmedabad-Mumbai bullet train corridor. This project marks a significant step in preparing Indian Railways for future high-speed rail corridors across the country.