Indian Railways is set to introduce a new variant of the highly acclaimed Vande Bharat Express, this time in a sleeper configuration. Following the success of the AC chair car Vande Bharat Express, the railway authorities are now gearing up to launch a more comfortable and luxurious option for overnight travel.
Manufacturing Project in Progress
The ambitious project aims to manufacture 200 Vande Bharat sleeper train sets. The responsibility has been divided between two consortia: Rail Vikas Nigam Limited (RVNL) and Russia’s TMH secured the contract to produce 120 sets, while the consortium of Titagarh Wagons and BHEL will manufacture the remaining 80 train sets.
A Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV)
The execution of the Vande Bharat sleeper train project is overseen by Kinet SPV, a specialised entity formed jointly by RVNL and TMH. The project, valued at Rs 35,000 crore, encompasses the manufacturing of sleeper variant train sets and their maintenance for a period of 35 years.
The Superiority Over Rajdhani Express
The Vande Bharat sleeper trains promise to outshine the iconic Rajdhani Express in various aspects. The video interview with Alok Kumar Misra, Director of Kinet SPV and GM (Mechanical) at RVNL, sheds light on the enhanced features, improved average speed, and efficient maintenance of the new trains.
The Path Ahead
With a competitive bid of Rs 120 crore per train set, the RVNL-TMH consortium aims to deliver the first prototype of the Vande Bharat sleeper train soon. The strategic foray into coach manufacturing demonstrates RVNL’s commitment to innovation and modernization.
A Game-Changer in Rail Travel
The introduction of sleeper Vande Bharat trains is expected to revolutionise overnight travel, offering passengers a faster and more comfortable journey. With the potential to replace Rajdhani Express trains in the long run, the Vande Bharat sleeper variant marks a significant step towards modernising India’s railway network.
Expanding the Vande Bharat Family
In addition to the 200 sleeper Vande Bharat trains, Indian Railways is also exploring a groundbreaking project to manufacture 100 aluminium Vande Bharat train sets. This ambitious initiative represents the railways’ commitment to providing passengers with cutting-edge technology and superior travel experiences.
