| Today, there are 10 Vande Bharat sleeper trains being manufactured to provide service in long and medium-distance trips across the nation. A prototype has already been constructed and is getting prepared to be put in the field for trials. Another move is that a production order has been given by tender to technology partners to construct 200 Vande Bharat sleeper rakes. Depending on the trial and results, the actual launch schedule would be decided for the respective train.
The Indian Railways, as of December 2, 2024, has had 136 operational Vande Bharat train services over the broad gauge electrified network. It caters to short and medium distances for journeys across the country. According to a statement laid by Minister of Railways, Information & Broadcasting, and Electronics & Information Technology, Shri Ashwini Vaishnaw in the Lok Sabha, these services with chair cars have seen an overall occupancy rate that has surpassed 100% till October 2024. The minister said these trains are offering a world-class experience.
Another question the Union Minister replied that the production units of Indian Railways have been manufacturing LHB coaches only since April 2018. Production of LHB coaches has gone up multifold; from 2,337 in 2004-2014, 36,933 have been manufactured in 2014-2024, more than 16 times the production of earlier years. Coaches have advanced technology features like anti-climbing arrangements, air suspension with failure indication systems, and corrosion-resistant shells.
Indian Railways had taken the following measures regarding the *Sugamya Bharat Mission*(Accessible India Campaign), a step forward to ensure proper accessibility for Divyangjans and other passengers in need of reduced mobility. Pursuant to the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016, introduction of ramps, accessible parking, Braille and tactile signage, low-height counters, and lifts/escalators has been undertaken. By November 2024, 1,512 escalators had been installed across 399 stations, and 1,607 lifts were operational at 609 stations—9 times and 14 times more than the number in the previous decade. Most Mail/Express trains have dedicated coaches with wide entrances, accessible washrooms, and wheelchair parking spaces. Vande Bharat trains further enhance accessibility with features like automatic doors, designated spaces for Divyangjan, and Braille signage.
