New Delhi : Indian Railways has achieved a major milestone with the successful completion of the final high-speed trial of the Vande Bharat Sleeper Train, an indigenously designed and manufactured innovation. The trial, supervised by the Commissioner of Railway Safety (CRS), was conducted on the Kota–Nagda section, where the train reached a top speed of 180 kmph, marking a significant step forward in India’s journey towards advanced and self-reliant rail technology.
Successful Technical Evaluation
During the trial, engineers carried out extensive assessments covering ride stability, oscillation, vibration, braking efficiency, emergency systems, and overall safety mechanisms. The train’s performance was declared fully satisfactory by the CRS, clearing the way for its introduction into service.
Union Minister for Railways Ashwini Vaishnaw shared a video of the trial on social media, showcasing the train’s smooth ride quality. A striking highlight was the water-glass stability demonstration, where glasses filled with water remained steady without spillage even at high speed — a testament to the train’s advanced suspension and robust design.
Passenger Comfort and Modern Features
The 16-coach Vande Bharat Sleeper rake has been developed for long-distance travel, offering passengers a world-class experience with:
- Comfortable sleeper berths
- Automatic plug doors and sealed gangways
- Modern toilets and fire detection systems
- CCTV surveillance and digital passenger information displays
- Energy-efficient technologies and regenerative braking
- UV-C lamp-based disinfection in air conditioning units
- Special lavatories for Divyangjan passengers
- Ergonomic ladders for easy access to upper berths
Advanced Safety Systems
Key safety and technological highlights include:
- KAVACH train protection system
- Crashworthy couplers and anti-climbers for enhanced safety
- Fire barrier doors at the end of each coach
- Aerosol-based fire detection and suppression in electrical cabinets and lavatories
- Emergency talk-back units for passenger communication with crew
- Centralized Coach Monitoring System for real-time tracking of amenities
A Step Towards Atmanirbhar Bharat
The successful trial represents a major technical achievement for Indian Railways and reinforces its commitment to innovation, passenger safety, and indigenous manufacturing under the vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat. Once operational, the Vande Bharat Sleeper Train will redefine long-distance travel in India, combining speed, comfort, and sustainability.
