Indian Railways is set to revolutionize long-distance travel with the launch of its first Vande Bharat sleeper train, connecting Guwahati and Kolkata. Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw announced on January 1 that trials, testing and certification have been successfully completed, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi expected to flag off the service soon.

Service Launch and Route Details

The sleeper variant represents a significant expansion of the Vande Bharat brand into overnight and long-distance travel segments. Vaishnaw noted that the strong public response to existing Vande Bharat chair car services encouraged this development. The new train has been specifically designed for journeys exceeding 1,000 km, promising passengers a faster, safer and more comfortable travel experience.

The Guwahati-Kolkata route will showcase modern sleeper coaches equipped with improved suspension systems, advanced safety features and upgraded passenger amenities designed to enhance overnight journey comfort.

Competitive Fare Structure

The railway ministry has positioned the service as an affordable alternative to air travel, with strategically priced tickets across different classes:

These fares offer substantial savings compared to airfares on the same route, which typically range between ₹6,000.00 and ₹8,000.00, and can reach ₹10,000.00 during peak demand periods.

Technical Performance and Safety Trials

Indian Railways recently completed comprehensive high-speed trials under Commissioner of Railway Safety supervision on the Kota-Nagda section. The train achieved a maximum speed of 180 kmph while undergoing rigorous technical evaluations covering multiple safety parameters:

• Ride stability assessment
• Vibration behavior analysis
• Braking system performance
• Emergency response capabilities
• Overall safety performance validation

Vaishnaw demonstrated the train's stability through a water-glass test shared on social media, where glasses filled with water remained steady without spillage at high speeds, highlighting the robustness of the suspension system and overall design.

Advanced Features and Technology

The 16-coach Vande Bharat sleeper rake incorporates state-of-the-art features designed for enhanced passenger experience and safety:

Safety Systems:

• KAVACH collision avoidance system
• Crashworthy couplers and anti-climbers
• Fire detection and suppression systems
• Fire barrier doors with improved safety protocols
• CCTV-based surveillance network

Passenger Amenities:

• Automatic and centrally controlled plug doors
• Modern toilet facilities
• Digital passenger information systems
• Energy-efficient technologies
• Sealed gangways for climate control
• Emergency talk-back units
• Special accessibility features for Divyangjan passengers
• Centralized coach monitoring system

Future Expansion Plans

Vaishnaw outlined ambitious expansion plans for the Vande Bharat sleeper network. Approximately 12 sleeper trains are expected to be ready and inducted into service by the end of this year, with a rapid scale-up planned for the following year. This expansion reinforces Indian Railways' commitment to innovation, safety and indigenous manufacturing under the Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative.

The successful completion of Commissioner of Railway Safety trials represents a significant milestone, clearing the path for commercial operations and establishing a new benchmark for long-distance rail travel in India.

Indian Railways has achieved a significant milestone with the completion of track electrification on one of the country's most challenging rail stretches. The Sakleshpur-Subramanya Road ghat section in the Mysuru Division of South Western Railway has been successfully electrified, marking the completion of this complex infrastructure project.

Project Overview and Investment

The electrification project represents a substantial investment in railway infrastructure modernization. Key project parameters demonstrate the scale and complexity of this undertaking:

Engineering Challenges and Terrain Complexity

The Sakleshpur-Subramanya Road section stands among the most challenging stretches on the Indian Railways network due to its demanding geographical and operational conditions. The route traverses the Western Ghats with formidable engineering obstacles that required specialized solutions.

The terrain features present significant operational challenges:

• Steep gradients: 1-in-50 inclines requiring additional locomotive power
• Tunnel network: 57 tunnels requiring specialized electrification
• Bridge crossings: 258 bridges across varied topography
• Sharp curves: 108 curves demanding precise engineering
• Landslide vulnerability: High susceptibility to monsoon-related disruptions

Technical Infrastructure and Installation

The electrification work encompassed comprehensive infrastructure development designed to meet safety and operational requirements in difficult terrain. Engineers constructed five switching stations and installed overhead equipment throughout the entire ghat section.

Specialized technical specifications were implemented to address the challenging conditions:

Tunnel Electrification and Safety Measures

The project required extensive work within the 57 tunnels along the route, presenting unique engineering challenges. Engineers installed 419 main brackets and an equal number of spare brackets inside the tunnel sections, ensuring redundancy and safety.

Comprehensive geological studies were conducted for both lined and unlined tunnel sections, with support from the National Institute of Rock Mechanics and Bangalore University. Pull-out tests were performed at every bracket location to assess anchoring and grouting strength, ensuring structural integrity under operational loads.

Implementation Challenges and Solutions

Project execution faced significant environmental and logistical obstacles throughout the construction period. Heavy monsoon rains, landslides, soil erosion, and rockfalls caused repeated disruptions to the electrification work, according to Mysuru Divisional Commercial Manager Girish Dharmaraj Kalagonda.

Transporting materials to remote and inaccessible locations presented additional challenges, with most supplies moved by rail to reach construction sites. The completion of this project despite these obstacles demonstrates the engineering capabilities and determination of the railway infrastructure teams.

Strategic Importance and Connectivity

The Sakleshpur-Subramanya Road ghat section serves as a crucial link connecting the Bengaluru-Hassan region with Mangaluru. The route passes through scenic landscapes, forests, and multiple engineering structures, making it one of Karnataka's most recognizable rail stretches.

The electrification completion enables electric locomotives to operate on the ghat section, eliminating the previous requirement for additional banking locomotives on steep gradients. This advancement moves Indian Railways closer to its target of complete network electrification while improving operational efficiency on this strategically important corridor.