Vande Bharat sleeper train moved closer to launch after Union Railways Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw inspected the first rake in New Delhi on Saturday. The train will operate between Guwahati and Kolkata, marking a major upgrade in overnight rail travel.
Speaking after the inspection, Vaishnaw said the Vande Bharat sleeper train is ready for inauguration following the mandatory inspection and certification by the Commissioner of Railway Safety (CRS). He confirmed that Prime Minister Narendra Modi will inaugurate the service very soon. Two train rakes are already being shifted to Guwahati and Kolkata for operational readiness.
Highlighting passenger-friendly features, the minister said the train offers ergonomically designed stairs, adjustable light shades, smart tray holders, and improved seating. Moreover, Braille signage appears throughout the coaches, including on seat numbers, to support visually impaired passengers.
Importantly, the Vande Bharat sleeper train includes advanced safety systems. These include CCTV surveillance and the Kavach automatic train protection system. Kavach prevents overspeeding, signal violations, and collisions through automatic braking.
Vaishnaw added that the train reflects Prime Minister Modi’s vision to modernise Indian Railways. He also assured that fares remain affordable to support middle-class and low-income travellers.
Earlier, Indian Railways completed a successful high-speed trial on the Kota–Nagda section. During the test, the train reached 180 kmph and met all safety and performance benchmarks.
