The Ministry of Railways has flagged several problems in the country’s first sleeper train Vande Bharat while sanctioning it to start operations.
In a written communication sent recently to the Director General, Research Designs and Standards Organization (RDSO) and General Managers of all Railway Zones, the Railways has highlighted the issues related to this matter.
Elaborating on the sanctioning process, officials said the RDSO will first take final approval of any newly designed train from the Chief Commissioner of Railway Safety (CCRS). The CCRS will then send a proposal to the Ministry of Railways to get permission to start running the train.
“CCRS communicates its observations to RDSO during the trial for compliance. In case of Vande Bharat sleeper train, RDSO has sent updated compliance on September 1, 2025,” officials said.
The Railway Ministry’s letter dated October 28 has been circulated to all zones of the railway as the Vande Bharat sleeper train route is yet to be completed.
What are the problems in Vande Bharat Sleeper train?
According to the railway ministry’s letter, the Vande Bharat sleeper train needs some structural improvements to ensure passenger safety.
“At many places there are problems related to equipment and workmanship in terms of sharp edges and corners in berth area, window curtain handles, pigeon pockets between berth connectors which invite cleaning problems etc.,” the railway board said in its letter.
The board went on to state that these corrective measures are required in current games, noting what necessary design improvements are needed for future railcars as well.
The ministry’s letter further directed the zones to comply with all conditions laid down by the RDSO for operation up to a maximum speed of 160 kilometers per hour.
In addition, the ministry reiterated that the zones must comply with issues such as fire prevention measures, Kavach 4.0 equipment, provision of a suitable and reliable communication system between locomotive pilots, train conductor and adjacent station master, proper maintenance of all types of braking system, among others.
It also asked the zones to train locomotive pilots to disconnect the semi-permanent coupler within 15 minutes in case of emergency. They must also be equipped with the necessary tools required for this process as part of the driver/protection toolkit.
The availability of required trained technical personnel should also be ensured to deal with trackside technical problems and emergencies, the ministry added.
“Regular announcements will be made through the PA system informing all persons except passengers to alight from the train before its departure. Also, pre-recorded passenger safety announcements in three languages (regional, Hindi and English) should be made during the journey to sensitize passengers on personal safety norms to be followed during the journey,” it said.
When will Vande Bharat Sleeper trains start?
The Vande Bharat Sleeper train is facing delays of a month due to the expected launch. the center had previously said trains would start in late October, but with the latest hit, it could take a few more months to start running.
