India's Vande Bharat Sleeper Train Manufacturing

The Indian government has launched a major manufacturing program to produce 260 Vande Bharat Sleeper trainsets, aiming to significantly upgrade long-distance rail travel. Union Minister for Railways, Ashwini Vaishnaw, confirmed this target in the Lok Sabha. The program, implemented in phases by BEML, the India===Integral Coach Factory in Chennai, and technology partners, involves prototype development, extensive testing, and series production. These new trainsets will feature advanced safety measures, including jerk-free semi-permanent couplers, anti-climbers, the KAVACH safety system, and crashworthy designs complying with international EN standards. Enhanced fire safety, regenerative braking for energy efficiency, and indigenously developed UV-C lamp-based disinfection systems for improved hygiene are also included. Passenger amenities will encompass automatic plug doors, wider gangways, CCTV surveillance, emergency talk-back units, and specialized lavatories for Divyangjan passengers. The initiative underscores India's commitment to delivering a safer, more efficient, and comfortable long-distance travel experience.