Why Are Vande Bharat Sleeper Trains Delayed? Discover the key reasons behind the production and approval setbacks affecting India’s highly anticipated sleeper version of the Vande Bharat Express.
The much-anticipated Vande Bharat sleeper trains are facing significant delays, pushing back their expected launch beyond the initially projected timeline of January 2025. Despite the unveiling of the first fully air-conditioned sleeper coaches by the Integral Coach Factory (ICF) in Chennai, several design-related challenges have emerged, hampering production and rollout.
Key Factors Causing the Delay of Vande Bharat sleeper Trains
Design Approval Challenges
Indian Railways has yet to approve the final design of the Vande Bharat sleeper trains, even 14 months after signing a contract with the Indo-Russian joint venture involving Transmashholding (TMH), one of the world’s largest manufacturers of locomotives and rail equipment. This delay in design approval has created a bottleneck, preventing the commencement of manufacturing at the Marathwada Rail Coach Factory (MRCF) in Latur, Maharashtra.
Toilet and Pantry Car Controversy
A major point of contention between Indian Railways and TMH revolves around the provision of toilets and pantry cars. While these facilities are essential for long-haul overnight journeys, incorporating them into the design has posed structural and logistical challenges. The demand for these modifications has led to prolonged discussions, further delaying production.
Modifications in Coach Composition
On May 24, 2024, TMH received an official letter from Indian Railways requesting changes in the composition and internal features of the sleeper coaches within the existing contractual framework. TMH has since responded with revised designs, but approval from Indian Railways remains pending, leading to additional setbacks in the project timeline.
Advanced Features of the Sleeper Coaches
Despite the delays, the Vande Bharat sleeper coaches promise state-of-the-art features aimed at enhancing passenger comfort and safety. The fully air-conditioned coaches will include:
- Glass Fiber Reinforced Polymer (GFRP) panels for a modern interior finish
- Aluminium extrusion berth frames with polyurethane foam cushions
- Bio-vacuum toilets with touch-free amenities
- Enhanced safety measures and improved aerodynamics
Impact of the Delay
With 77 Vande Bharat trains currently operational, all featuring chair car seating, the sleeper edition was expected to revolutionize long-distance travel in India. The delay in its launch means passengers will have to wait longer for a more comfortable and premium overnight train experience.
Until the design approval process is completed and the manufacturing challenges are resolved, the dream of experiencing Vande Bharat sleeper trains remains on hold. Indian Railways and TMH will need to expedite their discussions to ensure timely implementation of this ambitious project.
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