India took a significant step towards modern, affordable travel with the unveiling of the prototype Vande Bharat sleeper coach by Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw. The event took place at BEML’s facility in Bengaluru, where the coach will undergo rigorous trials and tests over the next 10 days before being put on tracks for further evaluation.
Vaishnaw highlighted the numerous features incorporated into the new coach, emphasizing its focus on modern technology, enhanced safety, and special amenities for both locomotive pilots and service staff. He emphasized that this mode of transportation is designed for the middle class, ensuring affordable fares.
“There are a lot of safety features on this train. Also, a lot of innovations have been made in design. A separate cabin has been made for the maintenance staff…This train can be compared with the best trains in the world,” Vaishnaw said, expressing confidence in the coach’s quality and safety.
The minister emphasized that the Vande Bharat train series, including the chair car, sleeper, metro, and Amrit Bharat versions, aim to revolutionize travel in India, reflecting the country’s ambition under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership.
Further solidifying India’s commitment to expanding its high-speed rail network, Vaishnaw also inaugurated the foundation stone for a new Vande Bharat manufacturing facility at the BEML premises. This facility is expected to significantly boost production and contribute to the expansion of the Vande Bharat train network across the country.
Beyond the Vande Bharat sleeper coach, Vaishnaw laid the foundation stone for a new hangar at BEML in Bengaluru, dedicated to the manufacturing of standard and broad gauge rolling stock. This signifies a broader commitment to developing and improving India’s railway infrastructure.
These developments mark a significant stride towards realizing India’s vision of a modern and efficient transportation system, catering to the needs of a growing middle class while emphasizing safety and affordability. The Vande Bharat train series represents a key element in this vision, promising to transform the way people travel within India.
