The semi-high-speed Vande Bharat Express has completed six years since its debut in 2019. Since then, the number of services has grown to 136, with continuous expansions underway. Indian Railways is now preparing to introduce a sleeper version of the train, making long-distance travel more comfortable for passengers.
The Beginning of Vande Bharat Express
The first Vande Bharat Express was flagged off on February 15, 2019, on the New Delhi-Kanpur-Prayagraj-Varanasi route, operating at a speed of 160 km/h. These trains were developed under the ‘Make in India’ initiative, featuring modern technology, enhanced safety features, and improved speed compared to conventional trains.
Routes and Connectivity
Vande Bharat Express now serves multiple Shatabdi Express routes, connecting key small and medium-sized cities such as Delhi, Varanasi, Mumbai, Chennai, Hyderabad, and Bengaluru. With a potential speed of 180 km/h, it is India’s fastest train, significantly reducing travel time on major routes.
Key Features of Vande Bharat Express
- Executive Class Comfort: Ergonomic reclining seats for better comfort.
- Advanced Security: CCTV cameras in all coaches.
- Passenger Convenience: Individual mobile charging sockets at every seat.
- Automatic Doors: Enhancing safety and accessibility.
- Modern Pantry Facilities: Hot cases, deep freezers, and water coolers available.
- Emergency Measures: Push alarm buttons, talk-back units, and emergency windows in every coach.
Introducing the Vande Bharat Sleeper Train
The Indian Railways is set to introduce Vande Bharat Sleeper Trains to cater to long-distance travelers. According to the Ministry of Railways, these sleeper versions have already achieved a maximum speed of 180 km/h in recent test runs. Trials are expected to continue until the end of January 2025, after which these high-speed sleeper trains will be available to passengers across the country.
What to Expect from Vande Bharat Sleeper Trains?
The sleeper version of Vande Bharat Express will feature:
- Automatic doors for enhanced safety and ease of boarding.
- Luxurious berths for comfortable long-distance journeys.
- Onboard Wi-Fi to keep passengers connected throughout their travel.
- Airplane-style design, offering a world-class travel experience.
Currently, passengers are utilizing 136 operational Vande Bharat Express trains for medium and short-distance travel, and with the addition of sleeper coaches, India’s railway infrastructure is set to witness a revolutionary transformation.
