Vande Bharat sleeper train
Credit: X/AshwiniVaishnaw
As a New Year's gift, the Indian Railways announced the first Vande Bharat sleeper train between Assam's Guwahati and Howrah in West Bengal. With 16 coaches, revamped designing, and enhanced safety features, the train is all set to run this year.
In a statement released by PIB, Minister of Railways Ashwini Vaishnaw said that the complete trial, testing, and certification of the train have been successfully completed.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi is expected to flag off the first Vande Bharat sleeper train later this month.
The 16 coaches of the train include 11 three-tier AC coaches, four two-tier AC coaches, and one first-class AC coach, with a total capacity of 823 passengers.
The statement explained that the train's timetable will be planned in a way that it departs from its origin station in the evening and reaches its destination early the next morning.
The Railways revealed that passengers will be provided an experience to a rich dining adventure. The train originating from Kolkata will serve traditional Bengali delicacies and the train starting from Guwahati will feature authentic Assamese cuisine.
Features of the Vande Bharat sleeper train include:
1. CCTVs in all coaches.
2. Enhanced ride comfort with superior suspension and noise reduction.
3. Fitted with train protection system KAVACH.
4. Disinfectant technology to maintain high sanitation.
5. Emergency talk-back unit for communication between passenger and train manager/loco pilot in case of emergency.
6. Semi-high-speed train with design speed up to 180 kmph.
"In Vande Bharat sleeper, the 3rd-AC fare will be around Rs 2,300, 2nd-AC around Rs 3,000, and 1st-AC around Rs 3,600, which will include food as well," Vaishnaw said, as he emphasised that the fares were finalised keeping the middle class in mind.
On December 31, Vaishnaw shared a post on his X handle stating, "Vande Bharat Sleeper tested today by the Commissioner of Railway Safety, ran at 180 kmph between Kota-Nagda section. Our own water test demonstrated the technological features of this new generation train."
Terming it a "milestone", Ministry officials said in a press note, "The successful completion of the CRS high-speed trial marks a major technical achievement and paves the way for the introduction of Vande Bharat Sleeper services."