Kerala Gears Up for India’s First Vande Bharat Sleeper Train: What Travelers Need to Know!

Indian Railways is about to unveil its first Vande Bharat Sleeper train, with Kerala leading the way in this exciting development. This marks a significant leap forward in overnight train travel, merging speed, safety, and comfort with modern technology. The inaugural journey will take place on the Thiruvananthapuram to Mangaluru route.

This new sleeper train features 16 air-conditioned coaches, capable of accommodating 1,128 passengers. Unlike previous Vande Bharat trains designed for daytime travel, this one is tailor-made for overnight journeys. Developed by the Integral Coach Factory in Chennai and Bharat Earth Movers Limited, the design of these coaches reflects India’s growing manufacturing prowess. Railway experts believe this initiative could be a "turning point" for public transportation in the country.

The sleeper coaches come equipped with dedicated sleeping berths, ergonomic leg rests, GPS updates, and customizable lighting. With a focus on accessibility, the trains also include facilities for disabled passengers and advanced safety features like Kavach, an indigenous collision avoidance system.

Beyond comfort, these sleeper trains play a vital role in India’s sustainability efforts. The coaches are made from lighter materials, greatly enhancing energy efficiency and reducing carbon emissions compared to older diesel-powered trains. This aligns with Indian Railways’ ambition to become a net-zero carbon emitter by 2030.

The Thiruvananthapuram to Mangaluru corridor was thoughtfully selected due to its heavy passenger traffic and its importance in connecting economic hubs in Kerala and Karnataka. Future plans include extending sleeper services to longer routes, such as Thiruvananthapuram–Bengaluru and Kanyakumari–Srinagar, further enhancing rail connectivity across the nation.

Experts note that this development aligns with central government initiatives like the Gati Shakti Mission, which aims to harmonize various transport modes to improve logistics and ease commuter movement. By providing an eco-friendly alternative to short flights and private vehicles, this service could help reduce traffic in cities.

Production of the initial ten sleeper rakes has begun, with a target of producing 50 by 2027. This endeavor is expected to spur growth in related industries and create new job opportunities in sectors like coach building and digital monitoring.

Passengers can look forward to a greatly improved travel experience. Advanced safety features, modular pantries, and real-time service updates will make journeys faster and more enjoyable. As the Vande Bharat Sleeper train prepares to operate, it could redefine premium long-distance rail travel in India.

The introduction of this service is more than just an upgrade; it represents a shift in how we think about train travel—prioritizing comfort, sustainability, and equity. With Kerala hosting the first Vande Bharat Sleeper service, we’re witnessing a significant moment in the evolution of India’s transportation landscape.

For those keen on keeping track of rail developments, you can follow updates on Indian Railways’ official site or check out recent statistics on train travel from the Ministry of Railways.

Source link