Vande Bharat sleeper version makes first trial run on Mumbai-Ahmedabad route

The sleek and sophisticated sleeper version of the Vande Bharat Express originally conceived as Train 20 and a successor to the Train 18 chaircar Vande Bharat made its first entry into Mumbai on Wednesday on trial This advanced train is designed to eventually replace the Rajdhaniclass trains in the coming yearsBharat Earth Movers Limited BEML a public sector undertaking secured the initial order worth R675 crore for manufacturing the sleeper version from the Integral Coach Factory ICF in Chennai last year The prototype of the train has been undergoing extensive tests and trials conducted by the Research Design and Standards Organisation RDSO under various conditions and terrains Last week it reached a speed of 181 kmph during a test run in KotaThe first airconditioned compartment in the Vande Bharat sleeper train PicRajendra B AklekarldquoThe RDSO certifies new train prototypes after undergoing various trials This train was scheduled to undergo four trials including oscillation trials in two phases up to 115 kmph in the Jhansi division of North Central Railway and up to 180 kmph in the Kota division of West Central Railway WCR Following these brake performance trials were conducted at 160 kmph coupler force trials at 160 kmph and finally the Confirmatory Oscillograph Car Run COCR trial at 130 kmph which certifies speed and evaluates the trainrsquos performance Tuesdayrsquos COCR trial was conducted between Ahmedabad and Mumbai Central on the Western Railway After data analysis the RDSO will issue a certificationrdquo an official saidThe third AC compartment PicSayyed Sameer AbediOnce the trials are completed the train will be evaluated by the railway safety commissioner at its maximum speed Only after passing this final stage will the Vande Bharat sleeper trains be certified and handed over to Indian Railways for regular operations This will be followed by series production for widespread deploymentThe 16car train arrived at Mumbai Central at 150 pm and departed at 246 pm It boasts several advanced features including automatic doors ultracomfortable berths onboard WiFi and an aircraftinspired design Fully airconditioned the train offers three classes of travel First AC Second AC and Third ACThe First AC includes a coupe for four passengers elegantly designed cabins enhanced illumination and a sleek staircase for upper berths The Second AC features improved designs with larger spaces and brighter interiors while the Third AC offers better headroom and redesigned staircases All classes are equipped with cuttingedge amenities like separate charging ports Type A and C foldable snack tables integrated lighting systems and laptop charging setupsFor passenger convenience the train includes a combined gangway for seamless movement dog boxes at both ends dedicated linen storage and 38 special seats for attendants Additionally all coaches meet HL3 fire safety standards the highest hazard level under EN 45545 European railway standard and feature Braille navigation for visually impaired passengersDog boxes on Vande Bharat sleepersThe dog boxes on the trainThe Vande Bharat has dog boxes on either side of the train to carry pets belonging to passengers or the Railway Protection Force RPF The dog boxes located near the pilot cabins need to be booked by passengers separately at the parcel counter In traditional trains dogs had to be placed in cages in the guardrsquos cabin at the end of the train The train comprises 11 ac3 tier coaches four ac2 tier coaches and one first ac coachTotal Seats by Class First AC 1A 24 seats 1 coach Second AC 2A 188 seats 4 coaches Third AC 3A 611 seats 11 coaches Total Seats 823