Indian Railways, in its journey of 171 years, has graduated from using three locomotives for a distance of 34 km to running thunderous Vande Bharat, which runs at 160 mph. The Indian Railways has now rolled out its Vande Bharat sleeper—a treat for travellers.
Vande Bharat Express, also known as ‘Train 18’, has collected many accolades ever since it began operating on various routes across the country. The highly admired train is a seater version (chair car) that runs at a speed of 150-160 kph. Following the immense success of the seater version, the Vande Bharat series is all set to roll out its sleeper version.
The seater version of the train is currently stationed at Integral Coach Factory (ICF) in Chennai and is undergoing a commissioning run. The run involves thoroughly checking the various equipment on the train to ensure its smooth functioning. “The train is then set to move to Lucknow, where further tests will be conducted, which shall the brake system, emergency brake system, speed, passenger safety, etc.,” said the senior officials at ICF while talking to The Voices.
The ICF Chennai gave media persons a tour of the sleek iron beauty that caught glimpses of the train, its plush interiors, user friendly fixtures, energy efficient sensory lights, Divyang friendly toilets and aesthetic interiors,
The face of the train
The front fascia with sleek lines forms the façade of the mighty Vande Bharat sleeper train. It can travel at a speed of 160 kmph, and the sleeper version can carry 823 passengers. A maximum of 24 passengers can travel by AC 1st Class coach, 188 can be accommodated in AC 2-Tier coaches, and 611 passengers can travel in AC 3-Tier compartments.
A view from the driver’s seat
The way ahead is beautifully visible from the driver’s (co-pilot’s) cabin. The train has a three-hour emergency backup in case of OHE (Overhead Electrical) failure.The loco-pilot cabin at the rear end of the train is also magnificent. The driver can be positioned here to commence the journey in the return direction. Unlike in a conventional train, one need not shift the locomotive to the other side to commence the journey in another direction. The loco pilot’s cabin is present on both ends of the train.
Power source underneath
Engines powered for the train movement are positioned below the compartments. They look quite simple and are designed to be highly efficient. The train also provides explosion-proof lithium-ion batteries and TCAS (Train Collision Avoidance System).
Entrance point
This is where passengers enter the train. The door closes automatically when the time to board the train is over and the time to move arrives. This prevents unwanted elements from entering the train.
Aisle view
The berths on both sides of the Vande Bharat sleeper train compartment. They are ergonomically designed to provide greater comfort to the passengers and are plush with the luxury Indian railways offered.
Berths on either side
The side upper and side lower berths in the Vande Bharat sleeper are said to offer maximum comfort, as they are said to be six feet long for both.Upper, middle, and lower berths, each six and a half feet long, are also designed to make travelling a pleasure for passengers.The lower berth has a pad in the middle that can be used for various purposes, like placing food, while the black stand with holes next to it can be used for storing water bottles.
AC 1st Class compartment
This is where the AC 1st class compartment attendant can be accommodated. Passengers’ supplies like blankets and water bottles can also be stored here.Inside the room in the AC 1st class compartment, there are lower and upper berths on both sides. Four passengers can travel here. The upper berths can be reached through the staircase on both sides.The staircase on the right side to get to the upper berth inside the 1st class AC compartmentThe staircase on the right side to get to the upper berth inside the 1st class AC compartment
Toilets: large and small
There is an Indian-style washroom in the train, which is well designed. Passengers also have the option of using the washrooms in Western style.Large size western style washrooms in the train with spacious dimensions are also available.The washroom in the Vande Bharat sleeper train is Western-style and ergonomically designed. Passengers can also use the washroom in Indian style.
Movement in-between coaches
The vestibule connecting one compartment with another is subjected to less vibration, making it more convenient for passengers to walk over it. Unlike in the conventional train, where the plates on the flooring at the pathway vibrate highly, the same is minimal here, making it easy for the passengers.Door to enter or exit a compartment. It can be opened manually. To open automatically, passengers have to place their palm on the yellow spot.Passengers can switch on this LED lamp to read while travelling. The panel also has a charging port for mobile phones or laptops.
S Vishnu Sharmaa
Vishnu is a journalist with over 20 years of experience in print and online media platforms. His focus is on stories related to Indian Railways, Defense and Education. When not in work, he indulges in movie watching, reading mystery/suspense thriller novels and listening to film songs.
