Russian tech-driven Vande Bharat Sleeper train to be on trial run next June
By Arun Kumar Das
New Delhi, Dec 4 (BVI): The first prototype of the much-awaited Vande Bharat Sleeper train, being built with Russian technology, is likely to be on the tracks for trial in June next year.
Two trains will be made available in the first phase for an extensive trial run in the Kota Division of Rajasthan, Railway officials said.
While the first prototype with 16 coach is slated to be rolled out in June 2026, the second one will be out in August 2026.
According to Railway officials, the front portion of the train, called ‘Cone’, is being manufactured in Goa and is ready.
An Indo-Russian joint venture called Kinet Railway Solutions is developing the Vande Bharat sleeper trains and its design concept was unveiled in October this year.
The project involves Russia’s Transmashholding (TMH) and India’s Rail Vikas Nigam Limited (RVNL) and is responsible for manufacturing and maintaining 120 such trains for Indian Railways.
The coaches of the Vande Bharat Sleeper trains are being manufactured at Marathwada Rail Coach Factory in Latur, which been taken over by Kinet.
Equipped with a state-of-art assembly line, the plant will manufacture total 1920 coaches as per the contract.
In addition to upgrading the production facilities, the contract includes constructing and equipping three service depots for rolling stock at Mumbai, Jodhpur and Banglaore.
An Engineering сenter was recently opened in Hyderabad, Telangana, along with a Training сenter for production staff at the Latur plant. In addition, a training program for Kinet employees is being prepared at facilities in Russia.
The project costs $6.5 billion, including $1.7 billion for manufacturing of rolling stock and $4.8 billion for its maintenance over 35 years.
As per the design unveiled, the coaches will have luxurious interiors, enhanced passenger comfort, and modern amenities like bio-vacuum toilets and AC First class with shower facilities.
There will cushioned berths, easier upper berth access, individual reading lights, and USB charging points in each coach.
With safety being the top priority, the train will have the indigenous KAVACH anti-collision system, regenerative braking technology, automatic doors, sealed gangways for better temperature control and noise reduction, and CCTV surveillance.
The facilities also include a special toilet for disabled passengers with a baby care station and features like ergonomically designed ladders for upper berths. There is a staircase to ensure easy access to the upper berths, while each seat comes equipped with a built-in USB port, individual reading light, and smart storage solutions for added convenience.
Vande Bharat Sleeper trains are overnight service and expected to connect all major cities including Mumbai, Kolkata, Bangalore, Chennai, Patna and Bhubaneswar with Delhi. (BVI)
