India's railway network is on the cusp of a major upgrade with the imminent launch of the first Vande Bharat Sleeper train. Set to debut this month on the Howrah-Guwahati route, this semi-high-speed service has sparked significant public curiosity, particularly regarding its cost. The Railway Ministry has now provided a clear answer, revealing that each coach of this modern train comes with a price tag significantly lower than comparable metro coaches.
Price Tag and Comparative Advantage
Addressing reporters recently, the Railway Minister disclosed that a single coach of the Vande Bharat Sleeper train is estimated to cost between Rs 8 crore and Rs 8.5 crore. This figure presents a notable cost advantage. The minister highlighted that this is appreciably lower than the price of metro coaches, which typically range from Rs 10 crore to Rs 10.5 crore per unit.
The manufacturing responsibility for these advanced coaches lies with Bharat Earth Movers Limited (BEML), which is utilizing technology from the Integral Coach Factory (ICF). The contract entails the production of 10 complete rakes, each consisting of 16 coaches. The train's distinctive orange-and-grey livery houses a design capable of achieving speeds up to 180 kmph.
Production Ramp-Up and Deployment Timeline
The Ministry of Railways is aggressively accelerating the rollout of these sleeper trainsets. Officials report that close to 200 Vande Bharat trains are currently in various phases of manufacturing across production units. The immediate plan involves launching 6 rakes of the Vande Bharat Sleeper variant within the next six months.
Looking further ahead, the national transporter has outlined an ambitious target for 2026, aiming to introduce 12 new Vande Bharat Sleeper trains. The deployment strategy for these 12 trains involves positioning six rakes on either side of the country, ensuring broader connectivity for long-distance overnight travel.
Features and Passenger Amenities
The Vande Bharat Sleeper is engineered to redefine overnight train travel in India with a host of passenger-centric features. Each 16-coach rake has a total passenger capacity of 823, distributed across different classes: 611 in 3-Tier, 188 in 2-Tier, and 24 in 1st AC compartments.
Key enhancements focus on safety, comfort, and hygiene. The train will be equipped with the indigenous 'Kavach' train protection system and an emergency talk-back system for communication. For a smoother journey, it boasts superior suspension and noise reduction technology. Passenger comfort is prioritized with ergonomically designed berths featuring improved cushioning and automatic doors with vestibules for easy movement between coaches.
Additional notable features include disinfectant technology to maintain high sanitation standards, aerodynamic exterior styling, automatic exterior passenger doors, and a driver's cab fitted with advanced control and safety systems. The inaugural service will be operated and maintained by the Northeast Frontier Railway (NFR) zone, marking a significant addition to rail connectivity in the eastern region.
