Vande Bharat Sleeper: 24-car trainset nears production, says ICF GM

The production of a 24-car Vande Bharat Sleeper trainset is set to commence at the Integral Coach Factory (ICF) in Chennai, according to General Manager Manish Agarwal. The factory will manufacture a total of 50 such trainsets. Currently, only one Vande Bharat Sleeper train operates between Howrah and Kamakhya, with a configuration of 16 coaches including 11 Third AC, four Second AC, and one First AC coach.

Agarwal confirmed that the production drawings for the 24-car Vande Bharat Sleeper trainset are ready, covering essential aspects such as coach structure, coach-to-coach interfaces, and underframe equipment layouts. The construction of these trainsets is anticipated to begin soon. In addition to the passenger train, Agarwal also provided updates on the Amrit Bharat Version 3.0, which will incorporate AC, general, and sleeper class coaches, offering a more economical and comfortable travel option for passengers.

Furthermore, ICF has developed Vande Bharat-based freight trainsets, demonstrating the company's expansion of indigenous trainset technology beyond passenger services. These developments have garnered interest from stakeholders and could significantly impact freight transportation, particularly for white goods.