Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnav announced on Tuesday that Vande Bharat sleeper trains will be launched soon. He stated that the first train has successfully passed all necessary tests and trial runs and is currently parked at the Shakur Basti Coach Depot in Delhi. Construction of the second train is progressing rapidly and is expected to be ready by October 15. The Railways plans to launch both trains simultaneously to ensure continuity of regular services.
This Vande Bharat Sleeper train is being built by BEML using Integral Coach Factory (ICF) technology. It will have a total of 16 coaches, divided into AC First Class, AC 2-Tier, and AC 3-Tier. The train will have a passenger capacity of 1,128 and will run at a maximum speed of 180 kilometers per hour, making it one of India’s fastest night trains.
The train will be equipped with several modern features, including integrated reading lights with USB charging, automated announcement and visual information system, security cameras, modular pantry and disabled-friendly berths and toilets.
The Railway Minister also provided information on railway projects in Punjab. He stated that the 18-kilometer-long Rajpura-Mohali rail line will soon be operational, connecting the region directly to Chandigarh. This new line will reduce the travel distance by approximately 66 kilometers and reduce pressure on the existing Rajpura-Ambala route.
Additionally, the Railway Ministry has proposed a new Vande Bharat train between New Delhi and Firozpur Cantonment. This train will connect Faridkot, Bhatinda (West), Dhuri, Patiala, Ambala Cantonment, Kurukshetra, and Panipat stations. It will cover the 486-kilometer distance in 6 hours and 40 minutes. Vaishnav said he will request the Prime Minister to approve a Vande Bharat train on this route.
