New Delhi, Oct 13(APAC Media): Indian Railways is planning to increase the Vande Bharat Sleeper train’s coach count from 16 to 24, according to a report by The Times of India (TOI). The proposed change aims to expand capacity on overnight routes, with a separate pantry car also planned.
Vande Bharat Sleeper: 24-Coach Plan
Chennai’s Integral Coach Factory (ICF) has reportedly been tasked with manufacturing 50 Vande Bharat Sleeper trainsets. The proposed 24-coach formation would add eight coaches to the existing design. However, Indian Railways has not yet confirmed the final passenger capacity or detailed layout of the larger train.
The current 16-coach version can accommodate 823 passengers. Its configuration includes 11 AC 3-tier coaches, four AC 2-tier coaches and one First AC coach. The final berth count in the proposed version will depend on how the additional coaches and pantry space are arranged.
Pantry Car And Passenger Features
The proposed train will have a dedicated pantry car for heating and serving food. The existing design uses modular pantry units. The larger train’s final interior layout and additional passenger facilities are yet to be confirmed.
The current Vande Bharat Sleeper design includes ergonomically designed berths, upper-berth ladders, individual reading lights and USB charging points. BEML’s sleeper design also specifies hot-water showers in the First AC coach, along with facilities for passengers with disabilities.
Vande Bharat Sleeper Speed And Safety
BEML lists a maximum service speed of 160 kmph and a testing speed of 180 kmph for its sleeper trainset. The two figures refer to different operating conditions. The platform also includes Kavach train protection technology and regenerative braking.
The final specifications of the proposed 24-coach train, including its passenger capacity and interior changes, will determine how much it differs from the existing design.
