Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw announced that 10 Vande Bharat Sleeper trains are currently under production, marking a significant step towards enhancing long and medium-distance travel in India. The first prototype has been completed and will soon undergo field trials. Additionally, contracts for manufacturing 200 Vande Bharat Sleeper rakes have been awarded to technology partners, with their rollout contingent upon successful trial outcomes.
As of December 2, 2024, Indian Railways operates 136 Vande Bharat train services on the Broad Gauge electrified network, catering to short and medium-distance journeys. These trains, equipped with Chair Cars, boast an occupancy rate exceeding 100% as of October 2024, delivering a world-class travel experience.
Highlighting the modernization of rolling stock, Mr. Vaishnaw stated that since April 2018, Indian Railways has been exclusively manufacturing Linke Hofmann Busch (LHB) coaches, known for their advanced safety and comfort features. Between 2014 and 2024, 36,933 LHB coaches were produced—a staggering 16-fold increase compared to the 2,337 coaches manufactured between 2004 and 2014. LHB coaches come with anti-climbing arrangements, air suspension systems with failure indicators, and corrosion-resistant shells, ensuring superior safety and reliability.
Indian Railways is also making significant strides in enhancing accessibility under the “Sugamya Bharat Mission” (Accessible India Campaign). As per the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016, comprehensive facilities such as ramps, low-height counters, Braille signage, and lifts/escalators have been introduced across stations. By November 2024, 1,512 escalators were installed at 399 stations and 1,607 lifts at 609 stations—a remarkable increase of 9 and 14 times, respectively, compared to the previous decade.
Mail/Express trains and Vande Bharat services now include dedicated facilities for Divyangjan (Persons with Disabilities) and passengers with reduced mobility. These include accessible washrooms, wide entrances, wheelchair parking spaces, and Braille signage. Vande Bharat trains feature advanced amenities like automatic doors, earmarked spaces, and tactile signage, reinforcing the government’s commitment to inclusive transportation.
This push for modernization and accessibility reflects Indian Railways’ focus on delivering safe, efficient, and world-class services to passengers across the country.
