Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw  Unveils India’s First BEML-Made Vande Bharat Sleeper Trainset; Inaugurates New Hangar Facility

By R Anil Kumar

• Rail Minister Inaugurates BEML’s new 9.2-Acre Hangar Facility

• Vande Bharat Sleeper Trainset Showcases Multiple Passenger-Friendly Features

• Designed and Manufactured In-House by BEML a First of Its Kind

Bangalore, September 1. In a historic event, the Union Minister for Railways, Mr. Ashwini Vaishnaw, flagged off India’s first Vande Bharat Sleeper trainset at BEML’s Bangalore rail complex. This milestone represents a significant achievement for BEML,India’s leading rail and metro manufacturer, which has indigenously designed and manufactured the trainset at its complex.

As part of the event, Mr. Vaishnaw also inaugurated and laid the foundation stone for a new Hangar facility spanning 9.2 acres near BEML’s Bangalore complex.

This facility is dedicated to the export of standard and broad-gauge rolling stock, further expanding BEML’s global reach.

The event was graced by esteemed dignitaries including Mr. V. Somanna, Minister of State for Railways; Mr. Satish Kumar, Chairman & CEO of the Railway Board; Mr. Shantanu Roy, Chairman & Managing Director of BEML; along with senior officials from Indian Railways and Integral Coach Factory (ICF).

The Vande Bharat Sleeper trainset, a first in India, has been meticulously designed by BEML to combine aesthetic appeal with functional excellence. The trainset features Austenitic stainless-steel construction and is equipped with advanced crashworthy elements, such as specially designed crash buffers and couplers, to maximize passenger safety.

All materials and components used in the trainset adhere to the highest fire safety standards, meeting the stringent EN45545 HL3 grade requirements.

Crafted with world-class facilities and superior interiors, the Vande Bharat Sleeper trainset marksa significant leap forward in India’s rail capabilities, offering a passenger experience on par with European standards. This project highlights BEML’s unwavering commitment to innovation and excellence in rail transportation.

During the event, Mr. Ashwini Vaishnaw expressed his enthusiasm, stating, “This is a historic moment for the country. The much-awaited Vande Bharat Sleeper trainset is now set to run on Indian Railways tracks, providing our people with a world-class travel experience and best-in-class amenities. The dedication and expertise of BEML’s leadership and engineers have made this remarkable achievement possible.”

Shantanu Roy, CMD of BEML, added, Building on our rich legacy of manufacturing top-tier rail coaches over the past six decades, BEML has once again demonstrated its strength in rail manufacturing, making the nation proud. This project stands as an iconic landmark in modern India’s transportation infrastructure, one that future generations will remember.

The Vande Bharat Sleeper trainset is expected to revolutionize long-distance rail travel in India, setting new benchmarks for comfort, safety, and efficiency. The train is equipped with a range of world-class features, including an integrated reading light with USB charging provision, public announcement and visual information systems, inside display panels and security cameras, modular pantries, and special berths and toilets for differently-abled passengers.

Additionally, the 1st AC car offers showers with hot water, enhancing passenger comfort.

Engineered with meticulous attention to detail, the trainset prioritizes both aesthetic appeal and functionality across all elements, from the front nose cone to interior panels, seats, sleeper berths, and more.

BEML has led the aggregation of critical systems including electrical, propulsion, bogies, exterior plug doors, brake systems, and HVAC, ensuring seamless integration and optimal performance throughout the trainset. The entire manufacturing and assembly process has been consolidated at BEML, underscoring the company’s commitment to quality and precision.

As India introduces sleeper variants within the acclaimed Vande Bharat platform, this project stands as a testament to BEML’s commitment to excellence and innovation in rail transportation.

Salient features:

• Austenitic Stainless steel Trainset
• Crash worthy features in Trainset for Passenger safety
• Best-in-class interiors with GFRP panels
• Aerodynamic exterior looks
• Modular pantry
• Fire safety as per EN 45545, Hazard Level: 03
• Special berths and toilets for differently abled
• Automatic exterior passenger doors
• Sensor based inter communication doors
• Remotely operated Fire barrier doors at end wall
• Ergonomically designed odour free toilet system
• Toilet for driving crew
• Shower with hot water in 1st AC car
• Integrated Reading light with USB Charging provision
• Public announcement and visual information system
• Modern passenger amenities
• Spacious luggage room

Performance of Train:

• Maximum operational speed during service 160 kmph
• Maximum operational speed during testing 180 kmph

Passenger capacity:

• Total 16 823

About BEML: BEML Limited is a leading multi-technology ‘Schedule A’ company under the Ministry of Defence, plays a pivotal role in serving India’s core sectors like Defence, Rail, Power, Mining and Construction by offering world class products. BEML operates in three verticals viz. Defence & Aerospace, Mining & Construction and Rail & Metro and has state-of-the-art manufacturing facilities located at Bangalore, Kolar Gold Fields (KGF), Mysore, Palakkad, with having very strong R&D infrastructure and nationwide network of sales and services.

BEML Limited, a committed player in the field of manufacturing earthmoving, transportation, and construction equipment, celebrates a rich legacy spanning six decades of relentless pursuit of excellence and innovation.