Parliament Question: Vande Bharat Sleeper Trains in Karnataka

GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF RAILWAYS LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 530 TO BE ANSWERED ON 03.12.2025 VANDE BHARAT SLEEPER TRAINS IN KARNATAKA 530. SHRI P C MOHAN: Will the Minister of RAILWAYS be pleased to state: (a) the present status of the Vande Bharat Sleeper Train project, including the manufacturing timeline, expected routes and number of rakes under production; (b) whether the Government proposes to introduce Vande Bharat Sleeper Trains in Karnataka, particularly Bengaluru in the initial phases of deployment; (c) if so, the details of the proposed routes and schedules under consideration for operation from Bengaluru; (d) the advantages and features of the sleeper variant in comparison with existing premium trains such as Rajdhani and Duronto; and (e) the details of the steps being taken to ensure passenger safety, comfort and energy efficiency in these new trains and the expected date of launch for the first service involving Bengaluru? ANSWER MINISTER OF RAILWAYS, INFORMATION & BROADCASTING AND ELECTRONICS & INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY (SHRI ASHWINI VAISHNAW) (a) to (e) As the railway network straddles across State boundaries, trains are introduced, as per network requirement, across such boundaries. Introduction of new trains including Vande Bharat ..P/2-:2:- train services and its variants on any route/section depends on various factors which include- • Capacity of that section, • Availability of path, • Availability of required rolling stock, • Availability of matching infrastructure for rolling stock, • Maintenance requirement of railway tracks and other assets Accordingly, on originating/terminating basis, 22 Vande Bharat services with Chair Cars, are serving various stations located in the State of Karnataka. Presently, 18 Vande Bharat services cater to the needs of the Bengaluru area. Besides, introduction of new train services, including Vande Bharat and its variants is an ongoing process on Indian Railways subject to operational feasibility, traffic justification, competing demands etc. To cater to long and medium distance overnight travel, the Sleeper variant of Vande Bharat train has been indigenously designed. Two such rakes have been manufactured and are under trial/ commissioning. The Vande Bharat Sleeper variant is having faster acceleration and deceleration with following features: • Aerodynamic Exterior having car body made of Austenitic stainless steel conforming to the Crashworthiness standards. • Fully Sealed Flexible Gangway for ease of movement of passengers between coaches. • Train Collision Avoidance System (TCAS), Smoke/Fire Detection System (FDS). • Under-slung Propulsion with Regenerative braking for energy efficiency. ..P/3-:3:- • CCTVs for safety and passenger surveillance. • Integrated Berth Reading Light (BRL) with 3-PIN Charging socket & switch along with USB ports type A and type C. • Passenger information & public address system for emergency talkback and Driver-Guard communication system. • Noise insulation and mitigation measures for silent saloon space. • Ergonomically designed odour free toilet systems evacuation with vacuum. • Centrally controlled Automatic Sliding Plug Doors, Driver cab AC and Toilet for Crew. • Interior materials / aggregates in the trainset compliant to the Fire standard requirements. • LED lighting (Direct & Indirect Lighting) and Disaster management light, sensor based intercommunication door, fire barrier doors at end wall. • Passenger Alarm Emergency push button switch and its indicator. • Separate berths have been provided for all attendants and special berths and toilets for Passengers with Restricted Mobility (PRM). *****