Vande Bharat sleeper trains: Know all about advanced safety and comfort features

Designed by BEML, the Vande Bharat Sleeper trainset boasts several features, including a stainless-steel construction and advanced crashworthy elements like specially designed crash buffers and couplers to enhance passenger safety, reported Moneycontrol.

The trainset adheres to the highest fire safety standards, complying with the stringent EN45545 HL3 grade requirements, and is intended for long-distance travel within the country, the report said.

It consists of 16 coaches: 11 AC three-tier, four AC two-tier, and one AC first-class coach.

The total berths include 611 in AC three-tier coaches, 188 in AC two-tier coaches, and 24 in the AC first-class coach, the report said.

This sleeper version of the Vande Bharat offers a modern upgrade with enhanced functionality across all aspects, from the front nose cone to interior panels, seats, and sleeper berths.

BEML has also ensured seamless integration and optimal performance by aggregating critical systems like electrical, propulsion, bogies, exterior plug doors, brake systems, and HVAC, according to the report.

The trainset is designed to operate at a speed of 160 kmph.

Key features of the Vande Bharat Sleeper train include integrated reading lights with USB charging ports, public announcement and visual information systems, interior display panels, security cameras, modular pantries, and special berths and toilets for differently-abled passengers, stated the report.

The 1st AC coach also offers showers with hot water for added passenger comfort.

The sleeper version of the Vande Bharat train is designed with several features to ensure passenger safety. It has interiors made with Glass Fibre Reinforced Plastic (GFRP) panels and an aerodynamic exterior for enhanced performance.

The train is equipped with a modular pantry and meets fire safety standards according to EN 45545, Hazard Level 03.

Additional features include special berths and toilets for differently-abled passengers, automatic exterior doors, sensor-based inter-communication doors, and remotely operated fire barrier doors at the end walls.

The train also boasts ergonomically designed, odour-free toilet systems, including a dedicated toilet for the driving crew.

For passenger comfort, it offers an integrated reading light with USB charging ports, a public announcement and visual information system, and modern amenities throughout the train.

There is also a spacious luggage room to accommodate passenger belongings.

First visual of the #VandeBharatSleeper is here!

Union Minister @AshwiniVaishnaw unveiled the prototype version of #VandeBharat sleeper coach today.#VandeBharatTrain

Credit: @DDNewslive@RailMinIndia @Murugan_MoS @PIB_India pic.twitter.com/TbTew5TJLN

— Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (@MIB_India) September 1, 2024

“This is a historic moment for the country. The much-awaited Vande Bharat Sleeper trainset is now set to run on Indian Railways tracks, providing our people with a world-class travel experience and best-in-class amenities. The dedication and expertise of BEML's leadership and engineers have made this remarkable achievement possible,” Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw was quoted as saying by Moneycontrol.

According to the report, Shantanu Roy, CMD of BEML said, "Building on our rich legacy of manufacturing top-tier rail coaches over the past six decades, BEML has once again demonstrated its strength in rail manufacturing, making the nation proud. This project stands as an iconic landmark in modern India's transportation infrastructure, one that future generations will remember."