Vande Bharat Sleeper Trains Face Launch Delay Due to Furnishing and Workmanship Issues

The launch of the Vande Bharat sleeper trains, originally slated for October, is encountering a setback. The Indian Railways Ministry, through the Railway Board, has highlighted several concerns regarding the quality of furnishings and workmanship in the new trains. These issues include sharp edges and corners in the berthing areas, problematic window curtain handles, and "pigeon pockets" between berth connectors that pose cleaning difficulties.

Despite these findings, the Railway Board has provided in-principle sanction for the operation of the 16-car sleeper rake. However, it has mandated that these identified deficiencies must be fixed before the trains can commence service. The ministry also stressed the critical importance of adhering to stringent safety standards. This includes ensuring fire safety measures are in place, installing the Kavach 4.0 train-protection system, maintaining reliable communication channels between the loco pilot, train manager, and station master, and ensuring the proper functioning of braking systems. Additionally, passenger comfort is paramount, with directives to maintain suitable internal coach temperatures considering ambient conditions and door usage.

The ministry further requires that trained technical staff be available en route and that the semi-permanent coupler can be uncoupled within 15 minutes during emergencies. The sanctioning process involves the Research Designs and Standards Organisation (RDSO) obtaining final approval from the Chief Commissioner of Railway Safety (CCRS) after trials. RDSO submitted its updated compliance on September 1, 2025. Regular public address announcements for passenger safety and disembarking procedures are also mandated.

**Impact**: This delay might affect the timeline for introducing long-distance Vande Bharat services, potentially impacting passenger travel experience and the broader railway modernization plans. It also highlights the rigorous quality control measures being implemented by Indian Railways. Impact Rating: 7/10.

**Difficult Terms**: * **Furnishings**: Interior decorations and fittings, such as seats, curtains, and paneling. * **Workmanship**: The skill and quality of work performed by workers in making or repairing something. * **Rake**: A set of connected railway carriages or wagons forming a train. * **Berthing area**: The space or compartment where passengers sleep on a train. * **Pigeon pockets**: In this context, it likely refers to small, hard-to-clean crevices or gaps within the train's structure. * **Kavach 4.0**: An indigenously developed Automatic Train Protection (ATP) system designed to prevent train collisions. * **Loco pilot**: The driver of a train. * **Train manager**: The person in charge of a train's operation and passengers, formerly known as the guard. * **Chief Commissioner of Railway Safety (CCRS)**: A statutory authority responsible for ensuring safety standards in Indian Railways. * **RDSO (Research Designs and Standards Organisation)**: The R&D organization of Indian Railways, responsible for design, development, and standardization. * **EMU (Electric Multiple Unit)**: A self-propelled electric train made up of two or more permanently coupled carriages.