India: On 17 January, two 16-car trainsets commenced commercial service on the 972 km route between Guwahati and Howrah. Manufactured at the BEML plant in Bengaluru, the EMUs complete the journey in approximately 14 hours. The launch ceremony was attended by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
This new modification is specifically designed for long-distance routes spanning 800 to 1,200 km, distinguishing it from the standard Vande Bharat. The train’s configuration includes one first-class car, with a passenger capacity of 24 people, four two-tier cars and 11 three-tier cars, with sleeping berths arranged one above the other, accommodating 188 and 611 passengers, respectively. The train’s total passenger capacity is 823 people. While the vehicle’s design permits a maximum operational speed of 160 km/h, initial services will be limited to 120-130 km/h.
Launch of the Vande Bharat sleeper from BEML. Source: Narendra Modi
BEML plans to deliver an additional eight such trainsets by the end of this year. In addition, significant orders for similar trains are also being executed by two consortia TMH-RVNL and Titagarh Wagons-BHEL.
