Lok Sabha Question No. 530 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2025-12-03
Subject: Vande Bharat Sleeper Trains in Karnataka
Ministry: RAILWAYS
Asked by: Shri P C Mohan

## 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

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.

- 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).

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