The 16-coach Vande Bharat sleeper train successfully completed a high-speed trial of the indigenous Kavach automatic train protection system on the Hazrat Nizamuddin-Palwal route. According to reports from Navbharat Times, the train was tested at an operational speed of up to 160 kmph on Sunday to assess the safety system's performance at high speed. Railway officials confirmed that the trial was successful, with communication between the loco pilot and the station functioning properly throughout the journey.
The train reportedly covered a distance of nearly 50 km between Hazrat Nizamuddin and Palwal in just 40 minutes. As reported by Navbharat Times, the train departed Hazrat Nizamuddin at about 1.38 pm and reached Palwal at 2.21 pm before returning to Delhi at 3.32 pm. However, the sleeper train could not maintain 160 kmph throughout the route due to development work on the Faridabad main line, resulting in reduced speed while passing through Faridabad station.
The Vande Bharat Sleeper is designed as a semi-high-speed train with a design speed of 180 kmph and can operate at speeds up to 160 kmph subject to route infrastructure limitations. According to reports from Press Information Bureau, the standard train comprises 16 coaches including 11 AC three-tier coaches, four AC two-tier coaches and one First AC coach, providing a total capacity of 823 passengers. The train is equipped with premium features including automatic doors, better berths, charging points, reading lights, and modern passenger information systems, with the First AC coach offering shower facilities.
Indian Railways is currently expanding the Vande Bharat Sleeper fleet with BEML developing and supplying 10 trainsets, while additional trainsets are being planned through other manufacturers. As reported by Free Press Journal, a Vande Bharat Sleeper service between KSR Bengaluru and Mumbai's Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus has been approved, though schedule and fare details are yet to be announced. BEML has secured an additional order worth ₹180.60 crore from Integral Coach Factory in September 2026 for manufacturing Vande Bharat Sleeper trainsets.
The latest trial follows approximately 30 Kavach tests conducted using locomotives on the New Delhi-Palwal section, according to Navbharat Times. Indian Railways has commissioned Kavach 4.0 across 2,569 route km, with work underway on another 21,858 route km. The system is designed to provide additional protection to trains and support loco pilots by reducing accident risks due to human error, supporting Indian Railways' efforts to expand Kavach implementation across its network.
