Indian Railways has unveiled a reimagined blueprint for its Vande Bharat sleeper trains, aimed at enhancing long-distance travel and promoting tourism in Kerala. The revised plan shifts focus toward increasing passenger capacity without exceeding the original project budget. The earlier design envisioned 200 trains with 16 coaches each; the new strategy reduces the total number of trains to 133, each expanded to 24 coaches.

Key Project Updates

A prior contract for 120 sleeper trains, awarded to a consortium of CJSC Transmashholding and Rail Vikas Nigam Ltd (RVNL), has been revised to reduce production to 80 trains. Likewise, Bharat Heavy Electricals Ltd (BHEL), in partnership with Titagarh Wagons, which was originally assigned to build 80 trains, will now manufacture 53 trains.

This shift allows Indian Railways to cater to long-distance routes with higher efficiency. By extending the trains to 24 coaches, the system will accommodate approximately 600 additional passengers per train, optimizing operational costs and lowering travel expenses for passengers.

Enhanced Travel for Long Routes

First introduced in 2019, the Vande Bharat Express represents Indian Railways’ push toward modernization, offering chair car, sleeper, and metro variants. The sleeper version, designed for journeys of 800 to 1,200 kilometers, will now feature an upgraded design with a mix of AC three-tier, two-tier, and first-class compartments, ensuring comfort and convenience for travelers.

To showcase progress, a prototype of the new Vande Bharat sleeper coach was recently revealed. Trials for an initial batch of trains are expected to begin shortly, with passenger operations anticipated to start by December 2024.

Building the Future of Rail Travel

Despite adjustments in production numbers, Indian Railways remains committed to its timeline and budget. The restructured project reflects a clear focus on optimizing resources while addressing the growing demand for long-distance travel options. By introducing high-capacity, cost-effective trains, Indian Railways is set to enhance connectivity and boost tourism across the country, with Kerala poised to benefit significantly from these advancements.

This initiative signals a new era of travel, prioritizing both affordability and passenger experience, while strengthening India’s rail infrastructure for the future.

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