Daijiworld Media Network - New Delhi
New Delhi, Sep 23: Railway minister Ashwini Vaishnaw on Tuesday confirmed that the much-awaited Vande Bharat Sleeper trains will be launched soon, with the first train already cleared for operation and the second expected to be ready by mid-October. The minister stated that both rakes will be launched simultaneously to enable regular overnight services, and the first train is currently stationed at Delhi’s Shakur Basti Coaching Depot after successfully completing all required tests and trial runs.
Addressing a press conference, Vaishnaw explained the importance of having both rakes in place before initiating service, highlighting that a second train is essential for ensuring uninterrupted operations. The final decision on the route will be taken once the second rake is ready, likely by October 15. While the launch route is yet to be officially confirmed, there is growing speculation that the New Delhi–Patna corridor may be selected, especially in light of the upcoming Bihar Assembly elections later this year.
The Vande Bharat Sleeper trains, manufactured by BEML using Integral Coach Factory (ICF) technology, will feature 16 coaches divided into AC First Class, AC 2-Tier, and AC 3-Tier, with a total passenger capacity of 1,128. These trains are designed for high-speed overnight travel, capable of reaching a top speed of 180 kmph, and will come equipped with a range of modern amenities including USB charging with integrated reading lights, automated announcement and information systems, modular pantries, CCTV surveillance, and disabled-friendly berths and toilets.
In addition to the Vande Bharat update, the minister also detailed ongoing railway development projects in Punjab, including the Rajpura–Mohali railway line, a new 18-kilometre stretch that will connect Mohali directly to Chandigarh via the shortest route on the Ambala–Amritsar main line. The new connection will reduce travel distance by approximately 66 km, decongest the Rajpura–Ambala corridor, and streamline the Ambala–Morinda route.
Vaishnaw also announced a proposal to launch another Vande Bharat train between New Delhi and Firozpur Cantonment, which would serve stations including Faridkot, Bathinda (W), Dhuri, Patiala, Ambala Cantonment, Kurukshetra, and Panipat. The proposed train would cover the 486-km journey in approximately 6 hours and 40 minutes, and the minister stated his intent to seek the Prime Minister’s approval for this new route.