Vande Bharat Sleeper Train Cleared for Service: Know The First Route

Indian Railways is set to usher in a new era of long-distance rail travel with the successful trial and certification of the Vande Bharat Sleeper Train. Designed for overnight journeys, this next-generation train promises high speed, modern amenities and affordable fares, marking a major leap in passenger comfort and rail technology.

Why in the News?

The Vande Bharat Sleeper Train has successfully completed trials, testing, and certification, and the Guwahati–Kolkata route has been selected as its first operational corridor, as announced by Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw.

About Vande Bharat Sleeper Train

• The Vande Bharat Sleeper is an indigenously designed, long-distance version of the popular Vande Bharat Express.
• Unlike the chair car variant, it is meant for journeys exceeding 1,000 km and is equipped with sleeper berths.
• Developed by Indian Railways, it focuses on speed, safety, and passenger comfort for overnight travel.

First Route: Guwahati–Kolkata Corridor

• The Guwahati–Kolkata (Howrah) route has been chosen as the first corridor due to heavy passenger demand and long travel duration.
• Airfares on this route often range from ₹6,000 to ₹10,000, while the Vande Bharat Sleeper offers a much more affordable alternative.
• This makes premium rail travel accessible to middle-class and long-distance passengers.

Affordable Fare Structure

• The proposed fares reflect a strong focus on affordability.
• The 3AC fare from Guwahati to Howrah is around ₹2,300, 2AC is approximately ₹3,000, and First AC is proposed at about ₹3,600.
• These prices position the train as a cost effective alternative to flights while offering superior comfort compared to conventional trains.

High-Speed Trials and Certification

• The sleeper train successfully completed its final high-speed trial on the Kota–Nagda section under the supervision of the Commissioner of Railway Safety.
• It achieved a top speed of 180 kmph, with tests covering braking systems, ride stability, vibration control, emergency response, and overall safety.
• All parameters were found satisfactory, leading to official clearance.

Key Features and Technology

• The 16 coach Vande Bharat Sleeper rake includes world class amenities such as comfortable sleeper berths, advanced suspension, automatic doors, modern toilets, digital passenger information systems, and CCTV surveillance.
• Safety features include the KAVACH train protection system, crashworthy couplers, fire detection and suppression systems, and regenerative braking, ensuring a safe and smooth journey.

Vande Bharat Trains in India

• The Vande Bharat train series represents India’s push towards self-reliance in rail technology under the Make in India initiative.
• Since the launch of the first Vande Bharat Express in 2019, these trains have redefined semi-high-speed rail travel.
• The sleeper variant extends this success to long-distance, overnight journeys.

Future Expansion Plans

• According to the Railway Ministry, around 12 Vande Bharat Sleeper trains are expected to be inducted into the rail network by the end of this year.
• Expansion is likely to accelerate next year, with more long-distance routes across different regions of India set to benefit from this modern rail technology.

Key Summary At Glance

Aspect	Details
Why in news?	Vande Bharat Sleeper Train cleared trials and certification
First route	Guwahati–Kolkata (Howrah)
Top trial speed	180 kmph
Train type	16-coach sleeper rake
Key safety system	KAVACH train protection system
Launch authority	Indian Railways

Question

Q. The first route of the Vande Bharat Sleeper Train will operate between which two cities?

A. Delhi-Mumbai
B. Chennai-Bengaluru
C. Guwahati-Kolkata
D. Ahemdavad-Delhi