As of now, 10 Vande Bharat Sleeper trains are under production for long and medium-distance journeys across India. The first prototype has been manufactured and is set to undergo field trials. Additionally, the manufacturing of 200 Vande Bharat Sleeper Rakes has been awarded to technology partners. The rollout timeline will depend on the successful completion of these trials. As of December 2, 2024, 136 Vande Bharat trains are operational on the Broad Gauge electrified network, serving short and medium-distance routes across the country. Shri Ashwini Vaishnaw, the Minister of Railways, Information & Broadcasting, and Electronics & Information Technology, in a statement to the Lok Sabha, highlighted that the 136 Vande Bharat train services, equipped with Chair Cars, are already operational. The overall occupancy rate of Vande Bharat Express trains has exceeded 100% up to October 2024, reflecting their growing popularity. In response to another query, the Minister noted that Indian Railways’ production units have been exclusively manufacturing LHB (Linke Hofmann Busch) coaches since April 2018. The number of LHB coaches produced between 2014-24 (36,933 units) is more than 16 times greater than the 2,337 units manufactured in the 2004-14 period. These LHB coaches are technologically advanced, featuring anti-climbing arrangements, air suspension systems with failure indicators, and corrosion-resistant shells. As part of the "Sugamya Bharat Mission" (Accessible India Campaign), Indian Railways has been making significant improvements in accessibility for Persons with Disabilities (Divyangjans) and passengers with reduced mobility. In compliance with the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016, facilities like ramps, accessible parking, Braille signage, low-height counters, and lifts/escalators have been implemented. By November 2024, Indian Railways had installed 1,512 escalators at 399 stations and 1,607 lifts at 609 stations, marking impressive growth compared to the previous decade. Most Mail/Express trains now feature dedicated coaches with wide entrances, accessible washrooms, and wheelchair parking. Vande Bharat trains also offer enhanced accessibility with automatic doors, designated spaces, and Braille signage for Divyangjans. (PIB)