10 Vande Bharat sleeper trains under production, contract awarded for 200 rakes
Indian Railways is intensifying its efforts to modernize long and medium distance travel with the production of 10 Vande Bharat Sleeper trains currently underway. The first prototype has been made and will be tested soon. In addition, contracts to manufacture 200 Vande Bharat Sleeper racks have been awarded to technical partners, with release timelines dependent on the successful completion of trials.
As of 2 December 2024, 136 Vande Bharat train services, mostly equipped with a car, are in operation on an extensive rail network, catering to short and medium journeys across the country. Railways Minister Shri Ashwini Vaishnaw said in the Lok Sabha that the Vande Bharat Express trains have reached over 100% occupancy rate by October 2024, offering passengers a world-class journey.
The Minister also highlighted the change in production of modern Linke Hofmann Busch (LHB) coaches specifically from April 2018. In the last decade (2014-2024), Indian Railways produced 36,933 LHB coaches—16 times the output of the last decade. LHB coaches boast advanced safety features such as anti-skid systems, air suspension systems with failure indicators, and less corrosion-resistant materials.
In line with the “Sugamya Bharat Mission” (Accessible India Mission), Indian Railways is improving the accessibility of Disabled Persons (Divyangjans) and passengers with limited mobility. By November 2024, 1,512 escalators and 1,607 elevators had been installed at 399 and 609 stations, respectively—representing significant growth over the past decade.
Essential amenities under the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016, include ramps, accessible parking, Braille and tactile signage, low-height counters, and dedicated coaches with wide doors and accessible bathrooms. Vande Bharat trains stand out with their automatic doors, wheelchair parking facilities, and Braille signage, which further reinforces Indian Railways’ commitment to inclusive travel.
