 Agencies
NEW DELHI, Jan 3: The new year is set to bring faster and safer rail travel for commuters in India. Following the success of Vande Bharat chair car trains for short- and medium-distance journeys, Indian Railways is now extending this world-class travel experience to long-distance routes with the introduction of Vande Bharat sleeper trains.
Peak Speed of 180 km/h Achieved
The Vande Bharat sleeper trains achieved a peak speed of 180 km/h during multiple trials conducted over the past three days. The trials, held in the Kota Division, showcased the seamless blend of speed and comfort that these trains offer. The trials will continue until the end of January, paving the way for a new era in long-distance rail travel.
Union Minister of Railways Ashwini Vaishnaw shared a video of the successful trial on X, stating: "Vande Bharat (Sleeper) testing at 180 kmph https://t.co/ruVaR3NNOt." The video highlighted the train's stability at high speed, with a glass of water remaining steady even as the train reached peak velocity.
January 2, 2025: The sleeper train reached 180 km/h during a 30 km run between Kota and Laban in Rajasthan's Bundi district.
January 1, 2025: The train achieved 180 km/h on a 40 km stretch between Rohal Khurd and Kota, along with speeds of 170 km/h and 160 km/h on the Kota-Nagda and Rohal Khurd-Chau Mahla sections, respectively.
The trials are being conducted under the supervision of the Research Designs and Standards Organisation (RDSO), Lucknow. Once completed, the trains will undergo evaluation by the Railway Safety Commissioner before receiving certification for induction into regular
The Vande Bharat sleeper trains are designed with advanced features, including:
Automatic doors
Ultra-comfortable berths
Onboard Wi-Fi
Aircraft-like design
These trains aim to significantly reduce travel time on major long-distance routes, such as Kashmir to Kanyakumari, Delhi to Mumbai, and Howrah to Chennai. Currently, the fastest long-distance train, the Tejas Rajdhani Express, operates at an average speed of 90 km/h with a maximum permissible speed of 140 km/h.
With the success of 136 Vande Bharat trains on medium- and short-distance routes, passengers have already embraced this luxurious and efficient mode of travel. The sleeper version is expected to bring the same level of comfort and speed to longer journeys, making rail travel not just a necessity but a modern, world-class experience.
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