Indian Railways Completes 180 kmph Trial of Vande Bharat Sleeper

Indian Railways has achieved a major milestone in indigenous rail innovation with the successful completion of the final high-speed trial of the Vande Bharat Sleeper Train. Conducted under the supervision of the Commissioner of Railway Safety, the trial marks a significant step towards introducing next-generation sleeper services on India’s rail network.

High-Speed Trial on Kota–Nagda Section

The final trial was carried out on the Kota–Nagda section, where the indigenously designed and manufactured Vande Bharat Sleeper Train attained a top speed of 180 kmph. Comprehensive technical evaluations were undertaken, including ride stability, oscillation and vibration behaviour, braking and emergency braking performance, and validation of onboard safety systems. The Commissioner of Railway Safety declared the trial fully satisfactory.

Demonstration of Advanced Ride Quality

Union Minister for Railways, Information & Broadcasting, and Electronics & Information Technology “Ashwini Vaishnaw” shared visuals of the successful trial. A notable highlight was the water-glass stability demonstration, in which glasses filled with water remained steady without spillage even at high speed, underscoring the superior suspension, ride comfort, and technological robustness of the train.

Passenger-Centric Design and Modern Amenities

The 16-coach Vande Bharat Sleeper rake has been developed for long-distance travel with a strong focus on passenger comfort and safety. It features comfortable sleeper berths, advanced suspension systems, automatic doors, modern toilets, CCTV-based surveillance, digital passenger information systems, and energy-efficient technologies. Fire detection and safety monitoring systems further enhance onboard security, delivering a world-class travel experience.

Imporatnt Facts for Exams

• Vande Bharat Sleeper Train achieved a trial speed of 180 kmph.
• The trial was supervised and cleared by the Commissioner of Railway Safety.
• The train is indigenously designed and manufactured.
• It supports the Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative.

Key Safety and Technological Features

The Vande Bharat Sleeper Trains are equipped with KAVACH automatic train protection, crashworthy semi-permanent couplers, anti-climbers, fire barrier doors, aerosol-based fire detection and suppression systems, regenerative braking, and UV-C lamp-based air-conditioning disinfection. Additional features include centrally controlled automatic plug doors, wider sealed gangways, emergency talk-back units, Divyangjan-friendly lavatories, a centralised coach monitoring system, and ergonomically designed ladders. The successful CRS clearance paves the way for the introduction of Vande Bharat Sleeper services, reinforcing “Indian Railways” commitment to safety, innovation and self-reliant rail manufacturing.