Hon’ble Minister for Railways, Shri Ashwini Vaishnaw, today flagged off India’s first Vande Bharat Sleeper trainset at BEML's Bangalore rail complex. The trainset has been indigenously designed and manufactured by BEML, India’s leading rail and metro manufacturer.

Terming this occasion a historic moment for India, Shri Vaishnaw said, “This is a historic moment for the country. The much-awaited Vande Bharat Sleeper trainset is now set to run on Indian Railways tracks, providing our people with a world-class travel experience and best-in-class amenities. The dedication and expertise of BEML's leadership and engineers have made this remarkable achievement possible.”

“In Vande Bharat sleepers we have not only tried to improve the travelling experience for passengers but also paid significant attention to the comfort of serving staff and loco pilots/drivers, who serve for long hours standing during the train journey. Special facilities for serving staff and specially designed cabins and toilets for drivers are part of it.” He explained the world class facilities included in Vande Bharat sleeper train set i.e. Air Conditioning with new features, temperature control, Oxygen level maintenance system, newly designed toilets, new generation of seats with high class material, various world class safety measures during the event.

Shri Vaishnaw termed the fare of Vande Bharat Sleeper trains reasonable and added that “ Vande Bharat trains are meant for the middle class families.” As part of the event, Shri Vaishnaw also inaugurated and laid the foundation stone for a new Hangar facility spanning 9.2 acres near BEML’s Bangalore complex. This facility is dedicated to the export of standard and broad-gauge rolling stock, further expanding BEML's global reach.

The event was graced by esteemed dignitaries including Shri V. Somanna, Minister of State for Railways; Shri Satish Kumar, Chairman & CEO of the Railway Board; Shri Shantanu Roy, Chairman & Managing Director of BEML; along with senior officials from Indian Railways and Integral Coach Factory (ICF).

Shri Shantanu Roy, CMD of BEML, added, "Building on our rich legacy of manufacturing top-tier rail coaches over the past six decades, BEML has once again demonstrated its strength in rail manufacturing, making the nation proud. This project stands as an iconic landmark in modern India's transportation infrastructure, one that future generations will remember."

The Vande Bharat Sleeper train set is expected to revolutionize long-distance rail travel in India, setting new benchmarks for comfort, safety, and efficiency. The train is equipped with a range of world-class features, including an integrated reading light with USB charging provision, public announcement and visual information systems, inside display panels and security cameras, modular pantries, and special berths and toilets for differently-abled passengers. Additionally, the 1st AC car offers showers with hot water, enhancing passenger comfort.

Engineered with meticulous attention to detail, the trainset prioritizes both aesthetic appeal and functionality across all elements, from the front nose cone to interior panels, seats, sleeper berths, and more. BEML has led the aggregation of critical systems including electrical, propulsion, bogies, exterior plug doors, brake systems, and HVAC, ensuring seamless integration and optimal performance throughout the trainset. The entire manufacturing and assembly process has been consolidated at BEML, underscoring the company’s commitment to quality and precision.

 

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