The upcoming Vande Bharat Sleeper Train is set to significantly improve travel between major cities in Uttar Pradesh, including Agra, Aligarh, Bareilly, Jhansi, and Mumbai. Although this new sleeper train will be slightly slower than the current Vande Bharat chair car Express, it will still provide high-speed travel with great comfort.
Key Features of the Vande Bharat Sleeper Train
The Vande Bharat Sleeper Train will have a total of 16 coaches:
- 11 Third AC coaches
- Four Second AC coaches
- One First AC coach
The train will have a top speed of 130 km per hour and can carry up to 823 passengers. It will also be equipped with modern amenities to ensure a comfortable journey.
Route and Speed Enhancements
Currently, the Vande Bharat chair car Express operates on various routes across India, reaching speeds of up to 160 km per hour. The introduction of the Vande Bharat Sleeper Train on the Bareilly-Mumbai route, which passes through key cities like Agra, Aligarh, Jhansi, and others, marks the first time a sleeper version of the Vande Bharat train will be available.
Expected Travel Time Reductions
The new sleeper train will drastically reduce travel times on some of the key routes:
- Agra to Mumbai: The journey will be shortened from over 16 hours to just 10 hours.
- Bareilly to Mumbai: Travel time will be reduced from 27 hours to only 11 hours.
Trial Run and Launch
Reports indicate that the trial run for the Vande Bharat Sleeper Train may begin on August 15, 2024. Initially, the train will operate between Delhi and Mumbai via Gujarat, making it a game-changer in long-distance train travel in India.