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Vande Bharat Sleeper Clears Final CRS High-Speed Trial at 180 Km/h

Regulators deemed the high-speed safety run satisfactory, with certification and route clearances still pending.

Overview

  • The sleeper prototype hit 180 km/h on the Kota–Nagda section under Commissioner of Railway Safety supervision, and officials declared the trial successful.
  • A water-glass demonstration showed no spillage at peak test speed, highlighting ride stability and vibration control.
  • Two 16-coach all-AC rakes are on test with 11 AC 3-tier, four AC 2-tier, and one AC First Class coach, plus features such as KAVACH and regenerative braking.
  • Commercial service awaits formal approvals and route readiness, with some reports indicating possible limited introductions in late January or early February 2026.
  • Though designed for 180 km/h, typical operations are expected up to 160 km/h depending on track and signalling, as production scales via BEMLICF, Kinet, and TitagarhBHEL toward a planned large rollout.