The first Vande Bharat train with AC sleeper facility is expected to roll out in March-April 2024 from the Bharat Earth Movers Limited (BEML) factory in Bangalore.
The prototype of sleeper Vande Bharat train will have 1AC, 2AC and 3AC compartments like the Rajdhani Express trains’ composition.
According to the Integral Coach Factory (ICF) at Chennai, the design of the sleeper edition Vande Bharat train, is in the final stage and the prototype is expected to be ready by next year March-April from BEML.
ICF had given the order for manufacturing of 10 Vande Bharat trains with sleeper facility to the state-owned BEML.
BEML, is a leading public sector company in India that specialises in manufacturing and supplying heavy equipment for the mining, construction, defense, and rail transportation industries. It has manufactured many rail coaches, including Metro coaches, in the past.
As per the order worth Rs 675 crore, BEML would be responsible for design, manufacturing and commissioning of 10 trainsets (sleeper) on the Vande Bharat platform.
The ICF, currently engaged with manufacturing of Vande Bharat trains with seating facility, is providing electrics and wheels while the assembly of coach and furnishing works are being done by the BEML.
A total of 75 Vande Bharat trains with seating arrangement are being manufactured by ICF currently and after that the production unit would be making sleeper Vande Bharat trains.
While Vande Bharat train with executive class and chair car facility is being pressed into service, on day-long journey, mostly on Shatabdi Express routes, Vande Bharat sleeper service would be running on Rajdhani and Duronto routes.