The delivery of 200 Vande Bharat sleeper trains faces delays due to ongoing design disputes, impacting Indian Railways’ plans for swift rollout and modernization.

Delivery of Vande Bharat Sleeper Trains Delayed Amid Design Negotiations

The delivery of 200 Vande Bharat sleeper trains by Indian Railways faces delays due to ongoing discussions about design modifications and train length. The prototype from BEML and Integral Coach Factory (ICF) may be introduced later this year.

The contract, valued at nearly Rs 60,000 crore, stipulates the production and maintenance of these advanced sleeper trains. However, adjustments to the train composition—offering 12-, 16-, or 24-coach configurations—have slowed the process. Indian Railways is pushing for 24-coach configurations to optimize capacity.

In mid-2023, Kinet Railway Solutions and a consortium of Bharat Heavy Electricals Ltd (BHEL) and Titagarh Rail Systems (TRS) were awarded the contract. While prototypes were expected within a year, production has not yet begun. Separately, BEML and ICF are contracted to supply 10 trains, with some prototype coaches already showcased earlier this month.

Built on the Vande Bharat platform, the sleeper variant aims to surpass Rajdhani Express in speed, comfort, and safety, with operational speeds up to 160 kmph. As a self-propelled train set, it offers improved acceleration and deceleration, enhancing overall efficiency.

Kinet Railway Solutions, an Indo-Russian joint venture, will deliver 120 sleeper trains at Rs 120 crore per 16-coach rake, while the BHEL-TRS consortium will supply 80 trains at the same rate. Negotiations between the suppliers and Indian Railways are ongoing, with both parties working towards finalizing the design specifications to expedite the project.

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