29
Vande Bharat Sleeper: The first Vande Bharat Sleeper train in the country will start running on the tracks from next month. This will make it easier for long distance travelers to travel at night.
Vande Bharat Sleeper: The first Vande Bharat sleeper train in the country will start running on the tracks from next month. This will make it easier for long distance travelers to travel at night. Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnav said that minor technical work is going on to improve passenger comfort in the first Vande Bharat sleeper train. The entire train will be equipped with state-of-the-art security system. The updated train will be launched next month. The Railway Minister said that after testing the first rake, minor changes in the bogies and seats were suggested, which are now being revised. While talking to journalists on Tuesday, Railway Minister Vaishnav said that whatever shortcomings came to light during the testing of the first rake, we are modifying them in the first and second trains. He said that we want to maintain high standards of passenger comfort during the journey.
Extensive testing under the supervision of Commissioner of Railway Safety
Emphasizing on passenger convenience and safety, he said that we do not believe in shortcuts because we have to create a good product for the next generation. When asked about the route and possible date of launch, Vaishnav said that we will launch the train in December. Officials of Bharat Earth Movers Limited (BEML), which is manufacturing 10 Vande Bharat sleeper trains, confirmed that the first train is a prototype, after extensive testing and trials under the supervision of the Research Design and Standards Organization (RDSO) and the Commissioner of Railway Safety to improve the rake. Since it is a prototype, it is very natural to test the train on all safety and comfort parameters. A BEML official said that the first rake is back to us after suggested modifications and intensive testing.
Special attention to emergency alarm button
Notably, the Railway Ministry, in a written statement to RDSO on October 28, gave its approval for the introduction of Vande Bharat Sleeper Train with some modifications for future improvements. These include provision of arc fault detection device (to prevent fire), relocation of AC duct, provision of fire-protection cable for CCTV, third-party audit of European standards for fire safety (EN 45545) and crashworthiness (EN 15227). The letter dated October 28 said that the emergency alarm button and its indication board were found hidden behind the upper berth connector console, which would make it difficult for passengers to use it in emergency situations. Hence there is a need to shift it to a suitably accessible location in future production. In another letter addressed to RDSO as well as all zonal railways on October 28, the ministry flagged issues related to decoration and workmanship in the train.
Also read: PM Modi said: Congress ignored the contribution of tribals in the freedom struggle, salute to Birsa Munda
