The delay of the new Vande Bharat sleeper train comes amid the launch of 4 new Express trains connecting cities across Kerala, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Delhi-NCR, Punjab, and Karnataka

The delay of the new Vande Bharat sleeper train comes amid the launch of 4 new Express trains connecting cities across Kerala, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Delhi-NCR, Punjab, and Karnataka

The delay of the new Vande Bharat sleeper train comes amid the launch of 4 new Express trains connecting cities across Kerala, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Delhi-NCR, Punjab, and Karnataka

The Railway Ministry flagged issues with the first 16-car Vande Bharat sleeper train in a recent letter, effectively delaying the launch of what would become India's fastest sleeper train.

The issues flagged by the Railway Ministry were mainly related to furnishing and workmanship, the letter addressed to the Director General of the Research Designs and Standards Organisation (RDSO) and the General Managers of all the railway zones said, as per a PTI report.

"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 letter pointed out.

Other issues that needed attention were fire safety measures, additional training for loco pilots in uncoupling the semi-permanent coupler within 15 minutes in case of emergencies, brake system maintenance, and a suitable and reliable communication system between loco pilots, train manager and adjacent station master. 

The exact route travelled by the sleeper train, which can reach a maximum speed of up to 160km/h, is also yet to be determined.

Four Vande Bharat Express trains launched

In the meantime, Indian Railways has also announced the launch of four new Vande Bharat Express trains along the following routes:

1) Bengaluru (KSR) - Ernakulam

This service will depart from Bengaluru at 5:10 AM and reach Ernakulam by 1:50 PM. The return service will depart from Ernakulam at 2:20 PM and reach Bengaluru at 11:00 PM.

2) Firozpur Cantonment - New Delhi

This service will depart from Firozpur Cantonment at 7:55 AM and reach New Delhi by 2:35 PM. The return service will depart from New Delhi at 4:00 PM and reach Firozpur Cantonment at 10:35 PM.

3) Varanasi - Khajuraho

This service will depart from Varanasi at 5:25 AM and reach Khajuraho by 1:10 PM. The return service will depart from Khajuraho at 3:20 PM and reach Varanasi at 11:00 PM.

4) Lucknow - Saharanpur

This service will depart from Lucknow at 5:55 AM and reach Saharanpur by 12:45 PM. The return service will depart from Saharanpur at 3:00 PM and reach Lucknow at 9:55 PM.

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