Vande Bharat Sleeper Train clears CRS high-speed trial at 180 kmph

Indian Railways has successfully completed the final high-speed trial of the indigenously designed Vande Bharat Sleeper Train under the supervision of the Commissioner of Railway Safety (CRS), achieving a top speed of 180 kmph on the Kota–Nagda section.

The trial marks a key milestone in the development of next-generation long-distance trains, paving the way for the introduction of Vande Bharat Sleeper services across the country. During the trial run, the 16-coach sleeper rake underwent extensive technical evaluations, including checks on ride stability, oscillation and vibration behaviour, braking and emergency braking systems, and overall safety parameters. Officials said the train’s performance at high speed was found to be fully satisfactory, following which the CRS declared the trial successful.

Union Minister for Railways, Information & Broadcasting, and Electronics & Information Technology, Ashwini Vaishnaw, shared a video of the high-speed trial on social media, highlighting the smooth and stable ride quality of the train. The video included a water-glass stability demonstration, showing glasses filled with water remaining steady without spillage even at 180 kmph, underscoring the advanced suspension system and technological robustness of the train.

Designed for long-distance passenger travel, the Vande Bharat Sleeper Train is equipped with a range of modern amenities and safety features. These include comfortable sleeper berths, centrally controlled automatic plug doors, fully sealed wider gangways, modern toilets, CCTV surveillance in all coaches, digital passenger information systems, and energy-efficient technologies.

In terms of safety, the train is fitted with the KAVACH train protection system, crashworthy semi-permanent couplers with anti-climbers, fire barrier doors at the end of each coach, and aerosol-based fire detection and suppression systems in electrical cabinets and lavatories. It also features regenerative braking for improved energy efficiency, UV-C lamp-based air-conditioning disinfection systems, emergency talk-back units for passenger communication, and a centralized coach monitoring system for real-time tracking of passenger amenities.

Special provisions have also been made for Divyangjan passengers, including dedicated lavatories in the driving coaches at both ends of the train. Ergonomically designed ladders have been provided for easier access to upper berths.

The successful CRS trial reinforces Indian Railways’ focus on safety, passenger comfort, and indigenous innovation, in line with the government’s Atmanirbhar Bharat vision.