India’s railway system has witnessed remarkable achievements in recent years with the introduction of the indigenous Vande Bharat Express. This innovative train has not only reduced travel time between cities but has also provided passengers with state-of-the-art amenities, enhancing the overall rail travel experience. Building on its success, Indian Railways is now considering the launch of a sleeper, non-air-conditioned version of the Vande Bharat Express, with expectations that it will surpass the Rajdhani Express in terms of speed, allowing passengers to reach their destinations more swiftly.
Speed Comparison: Rajdhani vs. Vande Bharat Express
The Vande Bharat Express is designed to achieve a maximum speed of 180 kilometers per hour and currently operates at an average speed of 95.89 kilometers per hour. In contrast, the Rajdhani Express, which can reach a maximum speed of 130–140 kilometers per hour, operates at an average speed of 81-87 kilometers per hour. Based on their average speeds, it’s evident that the Vande Bharat Express is considerably faster than the Rajdhani Express. It’s important to note that train speeds are influenced by the condition of the tracks.
Scheduled Launch of Sleeper Version
Indian Railways plans to introduce the sleeper version of the Vande Bharat Express in the current fiscal year, FY 2023–2024. However, the exact launch date and schedule have not been disclosed by the railway authorities thus far. Speculation suggests that the new Express variant may hit the tracks by March 2024.
Composition of the New Vande Bharat Express
The upcoming sleeper version of the Vande Bharat Express will consist of 16 coaches, including 11 AC 3-Tier coaches, 4 AC Two-Tier coaches, and one First AC.
Currently, this new Vande Bharat Express is in the developmental stage at the Integral Coach Factory (ICF) in Chennai. Before being put into service, the train will undergo rigorous testing and trials to ensure its safety and efficiency.
