Vande Bharat Sleeper Coaches: New Developments and Testing Plans
Introduction
India’s railway network, one of the largest in the world, is introducing Vande Bharat sleeper coaches to enhance passenger experience. Integral Coach Factory (ICF) General Manager U. Subba Rao shared insights during a recent press conference.
Collaboration and Commissioning
The sleeper coaches are a result of collaboration between BEML and ICF. The prototype arrived 10-15 days ago, and initial commissioning and finishing work are underway. Testing is set to begin on November 15th.
Testing Protocol
The testing will occur in Lucknow RDSO and Western Railways, focusing on oscillation, emergency braking, and control systems. The train will be tested at speeds from 90 kmph to 180 kmph over two months, concluding by January 15th for certification and regular operations.
Track Upgradation
Track upgrades are ongoing, with sections identified for speeds up to 160 kmph. Currently, many tracks are being upgraded to 130 kmph, with future plans for further enhancements.
Demand and Future Plans
Due to high demand, the Railway Board requested the sleeper version. While current orders are full, exports may be considered in 3-4 years.
Doubts Revealed
Vande Bharat -: Vande Bharat is a type of train in India known for its speed and modern features. It is designed to provide a comfortable and fast travel experience.
Sleeper Coaches -: Sleeper coaches are train compartments where passengers can sleep during long journeys. They have beds instead of regular seats.
ICF -: ICF stands for Integral Coach Factory, which is a factory in India that makes train coaches. It is located in Chennai.
BEML -: BEML is a company in India that makes equipment for railways, defense, and other industries. It stands for Bharat Earth Movers Limited.
Commissioning -: Commissioning is the process of testing and preparing a new train or equipment to make sure it works properly before it is used by the public.
Certification -: Certification is the official approval that a train or equipment is safe and ready to be used. It is given after thorough testing.
Railway Board -: The Railway Board is a group of people who make important decisions about how the railways in India are run. They plan and manage railway operations.
Exports -: Exports are goods or services that are sold to other countries. In this context, it means selling the Vande Bharat sleeper coaches to other countries.