NEW DELHI & BENGALURU — Following successful high-speed oscillation and emergency braking trials conducted by the Research Designs and Standards Organisation (RDSO) at 180 km/h on the Kota–Nagda section, Indian Railways has initiated commercial deployment of the Vande Bharat Sleeper Express across high-density overnight trunk corridors connecting New Delhi, Mumbai, Howrah, Secunderabad, Bengaluru, and Srinagar.
Designed and manufactured jointly by BEML Limited and the Integral Coach Factory (ICF), the 16-coach Electric Multiple Unit (EMU) sleeper rake marks the most significant generational upgrade in Indian overnight rail travel since the introduction of the Rajdhani Express in 1969.
Vande Bharat Sleeper vs. Rajdhani Express: Technical & Fare Comparison
| Parameter | Vande Bharat Sleeper (16-Car EMU) | LHB Rajdhani Express |
|---|---|---|
| Propulsion System | Distributed Under-Slung Traction (Self-Propelled EMU) | Locomotive-Hauled (WAP-7 Push/Pull) |
| Design / Operational Speed | 180 km/h Test / 160 km/h Commercial | 160 km/h Test / 130–140 km/h Commercial |
| Total Passenger Capacity | 823 Berths (11x 3AC, 4x 2AC, 1x 1AC) | ~950–1,050 Berths (Variable Rake) |
| Coupler & Ride Comfort | Semi-Permanent Jerk-Free Schaku Couplers | Centre Buffer Coupler (CBC) |
| First AC Amenities | Hot-Water Shower Cubicle, Acoustic Insulation, USB-C Fast Charging | Standard Coupe / Cabin Layout |
Kavach 4.0 and Anti-Telescopic Crashworthiness
Every Vande Bharat Sleeper trainset rolls out of the factory equipped with Kavach 4.0—India’s indigenous Automatic Train Protection (ATP) system certified to Safety Integrity Level 4 (SIL-4). If a loco pilot fails to respond to a red aspect signal or approaches a permanent speed restriction above the permitted threshold, the onboard computer automatically actuates the electro-pneumatic braking system to prevent collisions or overspeeding.
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