New Delhi . The first Vande Bharat sleeper train being built by BEML Limited will not start operating on time. It was targeted to be launched in December 2024, but is getting delayed due to several quality-related problems. Chennai’s Integral Coach Factory (ICF) has identified flaws in the interiors of the train.
These include gaps in interior panels, side lower berths not functioning properly, faulty cushions, leaks in toilets, and difficulty in accessing emergency alarms. ICF says BEML completed the train’s interiors in a hurry, leading to poor quality work. The prototype is not yet ready for mainline trials.
ICF and Railway statement
ICF General Manager U. Subba Rao said, “Minor defects are being removed, and by December 10, the train will be sent to RDSO (Railway Design and Standards Organisation) Lucknow. Here the train will undergo oscillation trials for two months, in which speeds up to 160 kmph will be tested.” Although the prototype should have been ready in October itself, it is not ready for trials yet.
Features of the train
- Each train set will have 16 coaches.
- There will be a total of 823 berths in 1AC, 2AC and 3AC.
- The operating speed will be 160 km/h and the test speed will be 180 km/h.
Future expectations
Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnav had said in March 2024 that this train would be ready in 6 months. Its prototype was launched in September. Now it is expected that after the completion of testing, it can be operational in early 2025.
