BEML, ICF forge ahead to unveil Vande Bharat Sleeper Train

03 Oct 2023 CW Team

Having secured a tender worth 6.75 billion, BEML is tasked with delivering 10 Vande Bharat sleeper trains. It is anticipated that the life-size model of the sleeper coach will be completed by October 20.

According to an ICF official, the creation of the mock-up precedes the manufacturing of the prototype, which will feature 11 AC III tier coaches and four AC II tier coaches. The official rollout of the train's prototype is scheduled for this fiscal year.

The AC II tier coaches are designed with superior aesthetics, featuring smooth panels, embedded roof lights, a more accessible six-step ladder for upper berths, and spacious windows. The design emphasises a world-class appearance and prioritises passenger safety by eliminating sharp edges.

To adapt the existing coach's interior for the sleeper design, quick modifications are required, as the shell and other components will remain unchanged. BEML has collaborated with a company to develop the interior design for sleeper coaches based on ICF's specifications, facilitating the creation of the real-life model.

The Indian Railways plans to accelerate production once the prototype gains approval, aiming to introduce Vande Bharat trains on long-distance routes. The Railway Ministry has entrusted the manufacturing of sleeper versions of the Vande Bharat to two companies: BEML and BHEL-Titagarh Wagons JV.

BEML, leveraging its expertise in railway coach and metro rail rake manufacturing, will produce Vande Bharat rakes at its Bengaluru facility. Meanwhile, BHEL-Titagarh will initiate the manufacturing process in their West Bengal factory before transitioning the work to ICF in Chennai. The joint venture aims to produce 80 rakes, with production slated to begin at ICF following necessary approvals.

ICF has allocated space and machinery, providing essential facilities to facilitate the work on coaches in Chennai. The factory will provide a shed, manpower, and various amenities, including an automatic wheel line machine, paint booth, and cranes, enabling contractors to assemble and test the coaches efficiently.

BEML, in collaboration with Integral Coach Factory (ICF), is set to unveil a mock-up model of the sleeper version of the Vande Bharat train at its Bengaluru factory by mid-October. Following approval of the design after evaluating the full-sized coach, the production of the prototype will commence. Having secured a tender worth 6.75 billion, BEML is tasked with delivering 10 Vande Bharat sleeper trains. It is anticipated that the life-size model of the sleeper coach will be completed by October 20. According to an ICF official, the creation of the mock-up precedes the manufacturing of the prototype, which will feature 11 AC III tier coaches and four AC II tier coaches. The official rollout of the train's prototype is scheduled for this fiscal year. The AC II tier coaches are designed with superior aesthetics, featuring smooth panels, embedded roof lights, a more accessible six-step ladder for upper berths, and spacious windows. The design emphasises a world-class appearance and prioritises passenger safety by eliminating sharp edges. To adapt the existing coach's interior for the sleeper design, quick modifications are required, as the shell and other components will remain unchanged. BEML has collaborated with a company to develop the interior design for sleeper coaches based on ICF's specifications, facilitating the creation of the real-life model. The Indian Railways plans to accelerate production once the prototype gains approval, aiming to introduce Vande Bharat trains on long-distance routes. The Railway Ministry has entrusted the manufacturing of sleeper versions of the Vande Bharat to two companies: BEML and BHEL-Titagarh Wagons JV. BEML, leveraging its expertise in railway coach and metro rail rake manufacturing, will produce Vande Bharat rakes at its Bengaluru facility. Meanwhile, BHEL-Titagarh will initiate the manufacturing process in their West Bengal factory before transitioning the work to ICF in Chennai. The joint venture aims to produce 80 rakes, with production slated to begin at ICF following necessary approvals. ICF has allocated space and machinery, providing essential facilities to facilitate the work on coaches in Chennai. The factory will provide a shed, manpower, and various amenities, including an automatic wheel line machine, paint booth, and cranes, enabling contractors to assemble and test the coaches efficiently.

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