In a historic event, the Hon’ble Union Minister for Railways, Shri Ashwini Vaishnaw, today flagged off India’s first Vande Bharat Sleeper trainset at BEML’s Bangalore rail complex. This milestone represents a significant achievement for BEML, India’s leading rail and metro manufacturer, which has indigenously designed and manufactured the trainset at its complex. As part of the event, Shri Vaishnaw also inaugurated and laid the foundation stone for a new Hangar facility for standard and broad-gauge rolling stock manufacturing, which is spanning across 9.2 acres of land, near BEML’s Bangalore complex. This facility is dedicated to the export of standard and broad-gauge rolling stock, further expanding BEML’s global reach.
The event was graced by esteemed dignitaries including Shri V. Somanna, Minister of State for Railways; Shri Satish Kumar, Chairman & CEO of the Railway Board; Shri Shantanu Roy, Chairman & Managing Director of BEML; along with senior officials from Indian Railways and Integral Coach Factory (ICF).
The Vande Bharat Sleeper trainset, a first in India, has been meticulously designed by BEML to combine aesthetic appeal with functional excellence. The trainset features Austenitic stainless-steel construction and is equipped with advanced crashworthy elements, such as specially designed crash buffers and couplers, to maximize passenger safety. All materials and components used in the trainset adhere to the highest fire safety standards, meeting the stringent EN45545 HL3 grade requirements.
Crafted with world-class facilities and superior interiors, the Vande Bharat Sleeper trainset marks a significant leap forward in India’s rail capabilities, offering a passenger experience on par with European standards. This project highlights BEML’s unwavering commitment to innovation and excellence in rail transportation.
During the event, Shri Ashwini Vaishnaw expressed his enthusiasm, stating, “This is a historic moment for the country. The much-awaited Vande Bharat Sleeper trainset is now set to run on Indian Railways tracks, providing our people with a world-class travel experience and best-in-class amenities. The dedication and expertise of BEML’s leadership and engineers have made this remarkable achievement possible.”
Shri Shantanu Roy, CMD of BEML, added, “Building on our rich legacy of manufacturing toptier rail coaches over the past six decades, BEML has once again demonstrated its strength in rail manufacturing, making the nation proud. This project stands as an iconic landmark in modern India’s transportation infrastructure, one that future generations will remember.”
The Vande Bharat Sleeper trainset is expected to revolutionize long-distance rail travel in India, setting new benchmarks for comfort, safety, and efficiency. The train is equipped with a range of world-class features, including an integrated reading light with USB charging provision, public announcement and visual information systems, inside display panels and security cameras, modular pantries, and special berths and toilets for differently-abled passengers, and Kavach facility for rail safety. Additionally, the 1st AC car offers showers with hot water, enhancing passenger comfort.
Engineered with meticulous attention to detail, the trainset prioritizes both aesthetic appeal and
functionality across all elements, from the front nose cone to interior panels, seats, sleeper berths,
and more. BEML has led the aggregation of critical systems including electrical, propulsion, bogies,
exterior plug doors, brake systems, and HVAC, ensuring seamless integration and optimal performance throughout the trainset. The entire manufacturing and assembly process has been consolidated at BEML, underscoring the company’s commitment to quality and precision.
As India introduces sleeper variants within the acclaimed Vande Bharat platform, this project
stands as a testament to BEML’s commitment to excellence and innovation in rail transportation.
Salient features:
Austenitic Stainless-steel Trainset
Crash worthy features in Trainset for Passenger safety
Best-in-class interiors with GFRP panels
Aerodynamic exterior looks
Modular pantry
Fire safety as per EN 45545, Hazard Level: 03
Special berths and toilets for differently abled
Automatic exterior passenger doors
Sensor based inter communication doors
Remotely operated Fire barrier doors at end wall
Ergonomically designed odour free toilet system
Toilet for driving crew
Shower with hot water in 1st AC car
Integrated Reading light with USB Charging provision
Public announcement and visual information system
Modern passenger amenities
Spacious luggage room
Performance of Train:
Maximum operational speed during service 160 kmph
Maximum operational speed during testing 180 kmph
