Vande Bharat Sleeper train trial run: RDSO completes testing of second rake – what’s next?

Wait 5 sec.

Written by Anish MondalNovember 17, 2025 02:52 PM IST 3 min readDuring the trials, the Vande Bharat Sleeper achieved a top speed of 180 kmph. (Image: Ministry of Railways)Vande Bharat Sleeper train: The Research Designs and Standards Organisation (RDSO) has successfully completed the trial run of the second Vande Bharat Sleeper rake. Developed by BEML using ICF technology, this new semi-high-speed sleeper train is expected to transform long-distance rail travel across India.Vande Bharat Sleeper train trial runDuring the trials, RDSO carried out detailed Oscillation Trials and Emergency Braking Distance (EBD) tests at multiple speeds on the 16-coach Prototype Sleeper Rake-2 across three railway zones – North Central Railway, West Central Railway and Western Railway. A senior railway official confirmed the development to IndianExpress.com, stating, “RDSO has fully completed the trial run of the second Vande Bharat Sleeper rake.”Also Read | IRCTC No Food option: Is water bottle still free in Rajdhani Express for passengers opting ‘No Meals’?Vande Bharat Sleeper train news, Vande Bharat Sleeper launchWith the trials now over, attention shifts to the next steps – including approvals and readiness for the train’s official launch.Another senior railway official told IndianExpress.com that with the trial run of the second Vande Bharat Sleeper rake now complete, the train will be sent back to BEML for the necessary corrections and adjustments identified during testing.Also Read | Disposal of train garbage: Railways enforces new OBHS, Pantry Car norms; non-compliance may lead to termination“It will be sent to BEML to carry out corrections identified during the trail run. Then it will be directed as per instructions of Railway Board,” the official told IndianExpress.com.By running the train at a maximum speed of 180 kmph, the RDSO checked its technical efficiency, braking capability, stability, vibration, and reliability of the mechanical and electrical systems.Also Read | Indian Railways pet travel policy: Planning train journey with your dog? Know IRCTC rules and ticket booking processStory continues below this adVande Bharat Sleeper second rake trial speedDuring the trials, the Vande Bharat Sleeper achieved a top speed of 180 kmph. The testing began on the Mahoba–Khajuraho section of North Central Railway, followed by the Sawai Madhopur–Kota–Nagda stretch under West Central Railway and concluded on the Ahmedabad–Mumbai section of Western Railway.Anish Mondal is a business journalist with over nine years of experience. He writes on diverse subjects such as Infrastructure, Railways, Roadways, Aviation, Politics, Market, Parliamentary affairs, Corporate earnings, General and International news etc. ... Read MoreStay updated with the latest - Click here to follow us on Instagram© IE Online Media Services Pvt Ltd