The Railway Ministry has raised concerns over furnishing and workmanship in India’s first 16-car Vande Bharat Sleeper Train even as it granted approval to commence operations.
In a recent letter to the Director General of the Research Designs and Standards Organisation (RDSO) and General Managers of all railway zones, the Railway Board highlighted multiple shortcomings in the train’s interiors. “There are issues related to furnishing and workmanship at many places, including sharp edges and corners in berthing areas, window curtain handles, and pigeon pockets between berth connectors that could cause cleaning problems,” the letter noted. The Board directed that corrective measures be implemented in the current rake and that design improvements be incorporated into future versions.
The Ministry also instructed railway zones to strictly adhere to RDSO’s operational conditions, which permit a maximum speed of 160 kmph.
Approval Process and Operational Readiness
Officials explained that the sanctioning process for new train designs involves several layers of inspection. After the RDSO secures final approval from the Chief Commissioner of Railway Safety (CCRS), the proposal is forwarded to the Ministry for operational clearance. In the case of the Vande Bharat Sleeper Train, RDSO submitted its compliance report to the CCRS on September 1, 2025, following observations made during trial runs. The Ministry’s formal approval letter, dated October 28, 2025, was circulated to all zones since the train’s operational route is yet to be finalised.
Safety and Maintenance Directives
The Railway Ministry reiterated strict compliance with safety and technical standards, including the installation of Kavach 4.0 (the indigenous train collision avoidance system), fire safety measures, and reliable communication links between loco pilots, train managers, and station masters. Proper maintenance of all braking systems was also emphasised.
Additionally, zones have been directed to train loco pilots to detach semi-permanent couplers within 15 minutes during emergencies, with necessary tools included in driver and guard kits. Temperature settings inside coaches must ensure passenger comfort, factoring in frequent door movements and varying ambient conditions.
Passenger Safety and Staffing
To enhance passenger experience and safety, the Ministry instructed zones to make regular announcements asking non-passengers to disembark before departure. It also mandated pre-recorded safety messages in three languages—regional, Hindi, and English—during journeys.
Further, the Ministry stressed the need for qualified maintenance personnel, adequate spare parts, and consumables to ensure seamless service. Dedicated technical teams must be deployed to handle en-route technical issues and emergencies efficiently.
With these directives, the Railway Ministry aims to ensure that the much-awaited Vande Bharat Sleeper Train meets the highest standards of safety, comfort, and operational reliability before entering service.
