Vande Bharat Sleeper train update: Railways flags issues with design, safety — What are they? Explained
The Railway Ministry, in a letter, has mentioned that the Vande Bharat sleeper trains need some design improvements to guarantee the safety of passengers.
The Ministry of Railways has flagged a few issues in the country's first Vande Bharat Sleeper Train while granting it sanction to begin operations.
In a written communication sent recently to the Director General Board, the Research Designs and Standards Organisation (RDSO) and the general managers of all railway zones, the ministry pointed out the issues pertaining to the matter.
Officials, who elaborated on the sanctioning process, said the RDSO first takes the final approval for any newly designed train from the Chief Commissioner of Railway Safety (CCRS). The CCRS then sends the proposal to the Railway Ministry to get its sanction to start operations of the train.
“The CCRS during trial conveys its observations to the RDSO for compliance. In the case of the Vande Bharat Sleeper Train, the RDSO sent its updated compliance on September 1, 2025,” the officials said.
The 28 October letter of the Railway Ministry was sent to all zones of the railway because the route of Vande Bharat Sleeper trains has not been finalised yet.
What are the issues with the Vande Bharat Sleeper train?
According to the letter from the Railway Ministry, the Vande Bharat Sleeper train needs some design improvements to guarantee the safety of passengers.
“There are issues related to furnishing and workmanship at many places in respect of sharp edges and corners at berthing area, window curtain handles, pigeon pockets between berth connectors inviting cleaning issues etc,” the Railway Board said in the letter.
The Board further said that these corrective measures are necessary in the current rakes, while flagging the design improvements required for future railway cars.
The letter has further directed zones to observe all the conditions laid down by the RDSO for operations up to a maximum speed of 160 kilometres per hour.
Additionally, the ministry has reiterated that the zones must comply with issues such as fire safety measures, fitment of Kavach 4.0, provision of a suitable and reliable communication system between loco pilots, train managers and adjacent station masters, proper maintenance of all types of brake systems, among others.
It also asked the zones to train loco pilots to uncouple the semi-permanent coupler within 15 minutes in the event of an emergency. They must also be provided with the necessary tools required for this process as part of a driver/guard tool kit.
The availability of trained technical staff for addressing the en-route technical issues and emergencies should also be ensured, the ministry added.
“Regular announcements shall be made through the PA system informing all persons other than passengers to disembark from the train before its departure. Also, pre-recorded Passenger safety announcements in three languages (Regional, Hindi & English) should be made during the run to sensitize passengers about personal safety norms to be observed during travel,” it said.
When will Vande Bharat Sleeper trains start?
The Vande Bharat sleeper trains have been facing delays for months amid an anticipated launch. The Centre had earlier said that the trains would launch in late October, but with the latest development, it could take another few months to start operations.