Indian Railways Completes Vande Bharat Sleeper Last High-Speed Trial at 180 kmph

Indian Railways has completed the final high-speed trial of the Vande Bharat sleeper train, with the rake reaching a maximum speed of 180 kmph, as per PTI reports.  

The trial was conducted on the Kota-Nagda section and was overseen by the Commissioner of Railway Safety (CRS), officials said on Wednesday. The test is a mandatory requirement before clearance for passenger use. 

CRS Reviews Performance at Higher Speeds 

Reports suggest that the trial focused on how the train behaved at higher speeds over an extended stretch.  

The CRS monitored the run and examined data generated during the trial. Based on the assessment, the safety authority cleared the train’s performance, stating that it met the required safety standards. 

Checks Carried Out  

According to the ministry, several technical aspects were examined during the trial. These included ride stability, oscillation, vibration behaviour and braking performance.  

The emergency braking system and onboard safety systems were also tested. Officials said all systems functioned within prescribed limits during the run at 180 kmph. 

Update by Railway Minister 

Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw shared a video of the safety trial on social media platform X on December 30, 2025.  

The video showed a water-glass test conducted inside the coach, where glasses filled with water remained steady without spilling during the high-speed run. Reports indicate that this was part of the trial exercise. 

Train Configuration Used for the Trial 

The rake used in the trial is a 16-coach Vande Bharat sleeper train, designed for long-distance travel.  

Indian Railways said the train has sleeper berths and upgraded suspension systems. Automatic doors and digital passenger information displays are also part of the configuration. 

Onboard Systems and Passenger Facilities 

As per the reports, officials said the train is fitted with modern toilets, fire detection and monitoring systems, and CCTV-based surveillance.  

Energy-efficient systems have been installed to support longer journeys. These features are intended for overnight routes where sleeper accommodation is required. 

Launch Date Yet to be Confirmed 

Indian Railways has not announced a confirmed launch date for the Vande Bharat sleeper service. The project has seen multiple delays in the past. In mid-November, the railway minister had said the train was expected to be launched in December 2025. 

Read More: Railway Sector Recap 2025: Transformation and Milestones Achieved by the Indian Railways! 

Conclusion 

With the completion of the CRS-supervised 180 kmph trial, the Vande Bharat sleeper train has cleared its final speed-related safety test, allowing Indian Railways to proceed with operational planning. 

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