First Look at the Vande Bharat Sleeper Coach: Train to Be Operational by January 15, with Plans for Export in 3 to 4 Years

The Integral Coach Factory (ICF) has unveiled the production version of the sleeper coach for the Vande Bharat train. The sleeper coach-equipped Vande Bharat train is expected to be launched soon. According to ICF’s General Manager, B.G. Mallya, the train is expected to be ready by January 15.

ICF Manager in Chennai, Mallya, mentioned, “Currently, the demand for trains in India is so high that our order book is full, leaving no capacity to produce additional trains for export. In 3-4 years, we might consider exploring export opportunities.”

Vande Bharat Train to Operate After RDSO Certification in Lucknow

ICF’s General Manager stated, “So far, we have only manufactured chair car coaches, but due to the train’s popularity, the Railway Board has instructed us to create a sleeper version. Since we already have numerous orders, we are sharing the design with PML, which handles production. 

After that, the coaches come back to us for commissioning. From here, the coach will be sent to the Lucknow RDSO outstation for trials, where it will receive certification.”

Railway Minister Showcased the Vande Bharat Sleeper Train Model

Earlier, on September 1 of this year, Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw gave a preview of the first model of the Vande Bharat Sleeper Train. He visited the Bharat Earth Movers Limited (BEML) factory in Bengaluru to inspect the train.

Vande Bharat Sleeper Train to Be Among the World’s Best, Says Railway Minister

Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw stated that the train features new technology for the coupler mechanism. This innovation reduces the train’s weight while increasing its strength. The coupler, a component that connects two coaches, is made of austenitic steel.

According to the Railway Minister, special attention has been given to weight balance and stability during the train’s construction. The mechanical components between the wheels and tracks are specifically designed to reduce vibrations and noise inside the train.

Ashwini Vaishnaw asserted that the Vande Bharat Sleeper Train will rank among the best trains in the world. The coaches and toilets have been upgraded, and the train includes numerous safety features. A separate cabin has also been created for maintenance staff.