Vande Bharat (sleeper trainset)
| Vande Bharat | |
|---|---|
Vande Bharat sleeper trainset's prototype at Rail Coach Factory, BEML, Bengaluru | |
| Stock type | Electric Multiple Unit |
| Manufacturer | BEML |
| Number built | 1 |
| Operators | Indian Railways |
| Specifications | |
| Car body construction | Austenitic stainless steel and Polycarbonate |
| Doors | Automatic |
| Maximum speed | 200 km/h (120 mph) |
| Electric system(s) | 25 kV 50 Hz AC via overhead line |
| Current collector(s) | Pantograph |
| Braking system(s) | Air, Regenerative braking |
| Safety system(s) | Kavach |
| Track gauge | 5 ft 6 in (1,676 mm) |
The Vande Bharat sleeper trainset, formerly known as Train 20 is a semi-high-speed, long-distance electric multiple unit (EMU) train, designed to replace the Rajdhani Express. It is being developed based on the existing short-distance Vande Bharat trainset, differing in exterior body, sleeping berths, and onboard amenities due to its long-distance service.
This train was originally planned to have featured two distinctive classes, the air-conditioned chair car and sleeper car. The sleeper cars would have included AC first class, AC two-tier and AC three-tier sub-classes. However, these plans were shelved after the tenders were red flagged. A series of fresh tenders were launched in 2022 and the contracts for which were awarded in 2023.
Following the renaming of Train 18 as Vande Bharat Express, any mentions of Train 20 were stopped. It is currently known as the Vande Bharat Sleeper. The first prototype was launched in September 2024 and would start its operation after 3 months.