In a significant upgrade to India's passenger rail network, the inaugural run of the much-anticipated Vande Bharat sleeper train is expected to connect Delhi and Kolkata before the end of March. This launch comes just weeks ahead of the upcoming assembly elections in West Bengal.
Ready for Commercial Rollout After Final Trials
A senior railway official confirmed that the train is now fully prepared for commercial operations. This readiness follows the successful completion of its final high-speed trial. The operation of the first train is anticipated to begin in the third week of this month, marking a new chapter for long-distance overnight travel in the country.
The official emphasized the railways' broader vision, stating that the focus is on extending modern train services to all regions of India as more such trains are manufactured and deployed. This initiative represents a core part of the national effort to enhance rail infrastructure and passenger comfort.
Minister Showcases Successful High-Speed Test
Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw publicly demonstrated the train's capabilities on Wednesday by sharing a video of its high-speed trial on social media. The footage highlighted the successful inspection by the Commission of Railway Safety (CRS).
The crucial trial was conducted at a speed of 180 kmph on the Kota-Nagda section. A notable segment of the video featured a water-glass stability test, a classic demonstration of smooth travel. Glasses filled with water remained perfectly steady without any spillage, even at the train's peak high speed, underscoring the superior suspension and stability of the new coaches.
A Step Towards Modern Overnight Travel
The introduction of the sleeper variant of the Vande Bharat trainset is a landmark development. While the chair-car versions have revolutionized daytime inter-city travel, the sleeper model is designed to upgrade the overnight journey experience with modern amenities, enhanced safety, and reduced travel time on key long-distance routes.
The launch on the prestigious Delhi-Kolkata corridor is strategically important and is expected to set a benchmark for future sleeper train services across the Indian Railways network. Passengers can look forward to a faster, smoother, and more comfortable journey between the two major metros.
