Indian Railways’ Vande Bharat sleeper trains have achieved a peak speed of 180 km/h during trials in Rajasthan’s Kota Division. Equipped with world-class features like WiFi and automatic doors, these trains promise faster, luxurious long-distance travel. Final certifications will soon lead to nationwide service, transforming rail journeys from Kashmir to Kanyakumari.
New Year, New Milestones: Vande Bharat Sleeper Trains Take the Spotlight:
The year 2025 has begun with a leap in rail travel technology. Indian Railways is set to redefine long-distance journeys with the upcoming Vande Bharat sleeper trains, which promise not only speed but also unmatched luxury and safety. Known for revolutionizing medium-distance travel, Vande Bharat trains are now stepping into the long-distance arena.
Speed Trials in Kota Division: A High-Speed Success:
In the first week of January, Vande Bharat sleeper trains achieved a remarkable milestone, reaching a peak speed of 180 km/h during trials conducted in Rajasthan’s Kota Division.
- January 1, 2025: A 40-km trial run between Rohal Khurd and Kota saw the train touching 180 km/h.
- On the same day, speeds of 170 km/h and 160 km/h were achieved on the Kota-Nagda and Rohal Khurd-Chau Mahla sections, respectively.
- January 2, 2025: A 30-km run between Kota and Laban in Bundi district again recorded the peak speed of 180 km/h.
The trials, under the supervision of RDSO (Research Design and Standards Organization), will continue throughout January. Once complete, the trains will undergo evaluation by the Railway Safety Commissioner before receiving final certification for commercial deployment.
Luxury Meets Speed: Redefining Long-Distance Travel:
The Vande Bharat sleeper trains are designed with cutting-edge features, making them a benchmark for luxurious rail travel in India. Key features include:
- Automatic doors for seamless boarding.
- Ultra-comfortable berths designed for restful journeys.
- Onboard WiFi for uninterrupted connectivity.
- Aircraft-like interiors for a modern, premium experience.
Passengers accustomed to the world-class amenities of short and medium-distance Vande Bharat trains can now anticipate similar comfort for long-haul journeys like Kashmir to Kanyakumari, Delhi to Mumbai, and Howrah to Chennai.
The Engineering Challenge: Speed with Load:
Adapting Vande Bharat trains for sleeper services involved significant engineering feats. Adding berths and testing the trains under full passenger and luggage load conditions were key challenges. Despite these hurdles, the trains achieved their peak speed, setting the stage for long-distance rail travel at an average speed significantly faster than current services like the Rajdhani Express.
Conclusion:
The Vande Bharat sleeper trains mark a turning point in India’s rail journey, combining speed, comfort, and technological advancement. With final certifications on the horizon, these trains are poised to transform travel across India, offering shorter journey times and unparalleled luxury. The New Year indeed heralds a high-speed revolution for Indian Railways.
Source: PIB – Press Release | Image Credit: PIB
