New Delhi, Sep 23 (NationPress) Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw announced on Tuesday that the launch of the Vande Bharat Sleeper trains is imminent, with the second train expected to be completed by mid-next month. The first train has successfully passed all necessary tests and is ready for operation.

Both trains are set to be inaugurated together to facilitate regular overnight services.

Currently, the first train is stationed at Delhi’s Shakur Basti Coaching Depot, according to official sources.

In a media briefing, Vaishnaw indicated that the second train is under production and should be ready by October 15.

"The launch of both trains will occur simultaneously," he stated.

The Minister highlighted the significance of the second train to ensure uninterrupted service.

"We are awaiting the second rake to finalize the route and commence operations," added Vaishnaw.

It is anticipated that the trains will debut on the New Delhi-Patna route, coinciding with the upcoming Bihar Assembly elections, where voting is scheduled for year-end.

Constructed by BEML utilizing Integral Coach Factory (ICF) technology, the Vande Bharat Sleeper train will feature 16 coaches, including AC First Class, AC 2-Tier, and AC 3-Tier configurations. This train will accommodate 1,128 passengers and achieve a maximum speed of 180 km/h, positioning it as one of the fastest overnight train services in India.

The service promises world-class amenities, featuring integrated reading lights with USB charging, automated announcement systems, security cameras, modular pantries, and facilities catering to individuals with disabilities.

Vaishnaw, along with Minister of State for Railways Ravneet Singh Bittu, also provided updates on railway projects in Punjab.

The Minister announced the upcoming 18-kilometre Rajpura-Mohali line, which will establish a direct connection to Chandigarh via the shortest route along the Ambala-Amritsar main line.

This railway line will not only link Rajpura and Mohali directly but also reduce travel distance by approximately 66 km while alleviating congestion along the existing Rajpura-Ambala route.

Vaishnaw also proposed a new Vande Bharat train between New Delhi and Firozpur Cantonment, covering stations such as Faridkot, Bhatinda (W), Dhuri, Patiala, Ambala Cantonment, Kurukshetra, and Panipat.

The train will traverse a distance of 486 kilometres between Delhi and Firozpur Cantonment in approximately 6 hours and 40 minutes.

Vaishnaw expressed: "I will seek approval from the Prime Minister for the Firozpur-Delhi Vande Bharat train."