Vande Bharat sleeper clocks 180 kmph! Ashwini Vaishnaw shares video of train’s ‘water test’; watch

Vande Bharat sleeper train to be launched soon! Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw on Tuesday shared an important update on the Vande Bharat sleeper train, posting a video on X (formerly Twitter) of the train’s speed trial. The new train touched 180 kmph speeds - its maximum- during trial runs between the Kota-Nagda section of the Indian Railways network.

What caught the attention was the finely balanced glasses of water from which not a drop of spilt despite the train touching its maximum design speed of 180 kmph. “Vande Bharat Sleeper tested today by Commissioner Railway Safety. It ran at 180 kmph between Kota Nagda section. And our own water test demonstrated the technological features of this new generation train,” Ashwini Vaishnaw posted on X.

Vande Bharat Sleeper Clocks 180 Kmph Speed: Watch Video

Vande Bharat sleeper train is set to be launched soon for long-distance overnight travel. As the name suggests, the train is a sleeper class variant of the Vande Bharat chair car train that is currently in service on the Indian Railways network. Two prototype rakes of the all air-conditioned Vande Bharat sleeper train have been manufactured by BEML and are currently in testing phase.

Indian Railways is preparing a major overhaul of long-distance rail travel, with plans to introduce more than 200 Vande Bharat sleeper trains over the next few years. Multiple manufacturing programmes are underway to support this initiative.

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BEML, in collaboration with the Integral Coach Factory (ICF), is manufacturing 10 sleeper train sets. Another 10 sets are being developed by Kinet, a joint venture between Indian and Russian partners. In addition, a consortium comprising Titagarh Rail Systems and BHEL has been awarded a contract to build 80 sleeper variants. Separately, ICF is also working on an in-house sleeper version of the Vande Bharat train.

Vande Bharat Sleeper Train Features

• The first two prototypes of the Vande Bharat sleeper have 16 coaches, including 11 air-conditioned three-tier coaches, four air-conditioned two-tier coaches, and one air-conditioned first-class coach.
• Designed as a semi-high-speed service, the train can operate at speeds of up to 160 kmph, with testing conducted at 180 kmph. However, actual operating speeds will depend on track capabilities across the Indian Railways network.
• Drawing on design elements from European rolling stock, the sleeper coaches will offer cushioned berths for improved comfort, along with redesigned upper-berth access to make climbing easier.
• Passenger amenities include low-intensity night lighting, audio announcements supported by visual display systems, CCTV surveillance, and modular pantry arrangements.
• The train will be fitted with advanced bio-vacuum toilets similar to those used in aircraft. Facilities will include an accessible toilet for persons with disabilities, a baby care unit, and shower cubicles with hot water in the AC First Class coach.
• Safety systems include the indigenous KAVACH anti-collision technology. Like the chair car version, the sleeper variant will also feature regenerative braking to enhance energy efficiency.
• Coaches are equipped with fully sealed gangways and automatic interconnecting doors, helping maintain interior air quality and stable temperature levels.
• Each coach offers individual reading lamps, charging sockets, foldable refreshment tables, and interiors finished with GFRP panels. Train doors will open automatically at designated stations.
• A Centralised Coach Monitoring System has been installed, along with emergency communication facilities that allow passengers to directly contact the locomotive driver.