MUMBAI: The trial run of the Vande Bharat sleeper train between Mumbai Central and Ahmedabad was completed on Wednesday. However, the decision regarding the deployment of the rake on a specific route will be made by the railway board.
The train arrived at Mumbai Central at 1.50 pm after leaving Ahmedabad at 7.29 am. It then departed for Ahmedabad from Mumbai Central at 2.45 pm.
This was a 130 kmph trial run.
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After analysis, the final certificate will be issued by Research Designs & Standards Organisation (RDSO). The Vande Bharat sleeper train already achieved a peak speed of 180 kmph during multiple trials conducted over the last three days.
Sources said the certificate will be issued next week, after which the final decision on its deployment in services and the route will be taken by the railway board.
During the current trials, the sleeper train clocked a peak speed of 180 kmph on Jan 2, during a 30-km run between Kota and Laban in Rajasthan’s Bundi district. On Jan 1, it reached 180 kmph over a 40-km stretch between Rohal Khurd and Kota, and speeds of 170 kmph and 160 kmph on the Kota-Nagda and Rohal Khurd-Chau Mahla sections, respectively.
The trials are being conducted under the supervision of the RDSO. After the trials, the train will undergo evaluation by the railway safety commissioner at maximum speed. Only after clearing the final assessment will the Vande Bharat sleeper trains be officially certified and handed over to Indian Railways for induction into regular service.
This 16-coach train includes 11 AC-3 tier coaches, 4 AC-2 tier coaches, and 1 First AC coach, all equipped with advanced features such as separate charging ports for Type A and C devices, a foldable snack table, an integrated lighting system, and a laptop charging setup.
For passenger convenience, the train has a combined gangway for smooth movement, dog boxes at both ends, adequate linen space, and 38 special seats for attendants. Additionally, all coaches are HL3 compliant for fire safety and include Braille navigation for visually challenged passengers.
The 1st AC coach has 24 seats, while the 2nd AC coaches have 48 seats each. Among the 3rd AC coaches, five have 67 seats each, and four have 55 seats each.
