In a historic moment for Indian Railways, Minister of Railways Ashwini Vaishnaw inaugurated the carbody structure of India's pioneering Vande Bharat Sleeper trainset.

Bharat Earth Movers Limited (BEML) manufactured the trainset at its rail unit in Bangalore. Officials from the Ministry of Railways, ICF, and BEML Limited, including Chairman and Managing Director Shantanu Roy, were present at the occasion.

During the inspection, Vaishnaw told ANI, "Launching the car body structure of the highly anticipated Vande Bharat Sleeper version is a historic moment for Indian Railways and the country. It will offer easy mobility to commuters and provide various comforts with global standards in the near future."

The minister stated that the car body structure is made of high-grade Austenitic stainless steel, with crash-worthy elements integrated into the crash buffers and couplers. All materials and aggregates in the trainset adhere to the fire standard requirements as per EN 45545 HL3 grade, ensuring compliance with stringent safety standards.

Vaishnaw added that the Vande Bharat sleeper trains, crafted by BEML, focus on blending aesthetic appeal with functionality across their interiors, sleeper berths, and exteriors. From the front nose cone to the interior panels, seats, berths, interior lights, couplers, gangways, and beyond, each component is carefully designed to meet the precise standards of the sleeper trainset.

BEML has played a leading role in developing vital systems such as electrical, propulsion, bogie, exterior plug doors, brake systems, HVAC, and others. This ensures smooth integration and optimal performance across the entire trainset.

The complete manufacturing and assembly process is conducted at BEML, demonstrating a dedication to quality and precision. Vaishnaw conveyed his enthusiasm, stating that the launch of the car body structure for the long-awaited Vande Bharat sleeper version marks a historic moment for Indian Railways and the nation. He highlighted its potential to enhance commuter mobility and provide enhanced comfort in line with global standards.

Shantanu Roy, CMD of BEML Ltd, expressed his delight at contributing to the creation of this milestone, which aims to enhance comfort and provide world-class facilities while reducing travel time.

He highlighted that BEML's production is running at full capacity, with the entire manufacturing and assembly process being carried out in-house. This underscores the company's commitment to quality and precision, managed by a dedicated team of engineers and staff.

The Vande Bharat sleeper trains, known for their exceptional passenger comfort and top-notch facilities, mark a milestone as India introduces sleeper variants within the Vande Bharat platform. Integral Coach Factory (ICF), Chennai, has ordered 10 rakes of 16-car Vande Bharat sleeper version trainsets from BEML Limited in May 2023.

The transition of these trains from chair car variants to sleeper versions will involve necessary modifications to meet crashworthiness and fire safety standards. BEML's commitment to excellence and innovation in rail transportation is evident in the meticulous design of aesthetically appealing interiors and the selection of competent GFRP panels.

The Vande Bharat sleeper trainsets consist of 16 cars each and operate at a maximum speed of 160 kmph in service and 180 kmph during testing. They maintain a minimum deceleration of 0.8 m/s2 during full-service braking and a maximum deceleration of 1 m/s2 at any speed. With a broad gauge of 1676 mm, they accommodate 823 berths across various classes.

Image source: Times of India