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16h ago

Vande Bharat Sleeper Hits 180 km/h in Regulator Trial as Minister Showcases 'Water Test'

The regulator-supervised run signals readiness for a limited rollout targeted for early 2026.

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Ashwini Vaishnaw shared the video of the train on Tuesday, which showed the speed of the train reaching 182 kmph on a mobile screen.
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Overview

  • The CRS oversaw a 180 km/h test on the Kota–Nagda section, with a minister-posted video showing glasses of water steady at top speed.
  • Officials say the sleeper is engineered for 160 km/h service, with 180 km/h trials used to validate safety, stability and ride comfort.
  • Two all-AC prototype rakes built by BEML are in trials as production ramps through ICF, the India–Russia JV Kinet, and a Titagarh Rail Systems–BHEL contract for 80 sets.
  • Indian Railways is finalising initial routes for a limited launch in late January or early February 2026, with corridors such as Patna–New Delhi indicated by a railway source.
  • The 16-coach layout spans AC First, Second and Three Tier, with features including KAVACH anti-collision, CCTV, bio-vacuum toilets, regenerative braking and accessibility upgrades.