Indian Railways is ramping up its efforts to modernize lengthy and medium-distance journey with the manufacturing of 10 Vande Bharat Sleeper trains at the moment underway. The primary prototype has been manufactured and is about to endure discipline trials quickly. Moreover, contracts for manufacturing 200 Vande Bharat Sleeper rakes have been awarded to know-how companions, with rollout timelines contingent upon the profitable completion of trials.
As of December 2, 2024, 136 Vande Bharat prepare providers, primarily Chair Automotive-equipped, are operational on the broad gauge electrified community, catering to brief and medium-distance journeys throughout the nation. Railway Minister Shri Ashwini Vaishnaw acknowledged within the Lok Sabha that Vande Bharat Specific trains have achieved an total occupancy price of over 100% by October 2024, providing a world-class journey expertise to passengers.
The Minister additionally highlighted the shift to manufacturing fashionable Linke Hofmann Busch (LHB) coaches completely since April 2018. Over the previous decade (2014-2024), Indian Railways produced 36,933 LHB coaches—16 instances the output of the earlier decade. LHB coaches boast superior security options reminiscent of anti-climbing preparations, air suspension techniques with failure indicators, and fewer corrosive supplies.
In alignment with the “Sugamya Bharat Mission” (Accessible India Marketing campaign), Indian Railways is enhancing accessibility for Individuals with Disabilities (Divyangjans) and passengers with lowered mobility. By November 2024, 1,512 escalators and 1,607 lifts had been put in throughout 399 and 609 stations, respectively—exhibiting important progress over the earlier decade.
Key amenities underneath the Rights of Individuals with Disabilities Act, 2016, embrace ramps, accessible parking, Braille and tactile signage, low-height counters, and devoted coaches with large entrances and accessible washrooms. Vande Bharat trains stand out with their automated doorways, wheelchair parking areas, and Braille signage, additional cementing Indian Railways’ dedication to inclusive journey.
