In a game-changing move, Indian Railways is on track to introduce Vande Bharat sleeper trains, set to undergo trial runs from August 15. These trains are expected to outclass existing options in terms of comfort and speed, with plans to deploy around 250 of them by 2029. The manufacturing of these trains is being handled by BEML Ltd at its facility in Bangalore, marking a significant step forward in the modernization of the country's rail network.
Vande Bharat: Indian Railways' Game-Changing Sleeper Train
In a bid to enhance passenger comfort and reduce travel time, Indian Railways is set to introduce Vande Bharat sleeper trains, marking a significant milestone in the modernization of the country's rail network.
Background
The Vande Bharat Express, launched in 2019, was a groundbreaking development in Indian rail travel. The semi-high-speed train offered passengers a comfortable and speedy journey with its sleek design, modern amenities, and advanced safety features. The success of the Vande Bharat Express prompted Indian Railways to explore the development of sleeper trains based on the same platform.
Features of the Vande Bharat Sleeper Train
The Vande Bharat sleeper train will feature several advancements and upgrades over existing sleeper trains:
Manufacturing and Deployment
The manufacturing of the Vande Bharat sleeper trains is being carried out by BEML Ltd at its facility in Bangalore. The first set of trains is expected to undergo trial runs from August 15, 2023. Indian Railways plans to deploy around 250 Vande Bharat sleeper trains by 2029, covering major rail routes across the country.
Top 5 FAQs
1. When will Vande Bharat sleeper trains be available for the public?
Indian Railways is targeting a commercial launch of the Vande Bharat sleeper trains in the second half of 2024.
2. What routes will the Vande Bharat sleeper trains cover?
The initial routes for the Vande Bharat sleeper trains have not yet been announced. However, major trunk routes with heavy sleeper traffic are likely to be prioritized.
3. Will the Vande Bharat sleeper trains be more expensive than current sleeper trains?
The pricing of the Vande Bharat sleeper trains is yet to be finalized. However, Indian Railways has indicated that it aims to keep the fares competitive while ensuring a premium travel experience.
4. What are the key differences between the current Vande Bharat Express and the sleeper version?
The sleeper version of the Vande Bharat Express will have additional features tailored for overnight travel, such as comfortable sleeping berths, spacious cabins, and enhanced privacy.
5. Has Indian Railways introduced any other sleeper trains in recent years?
In addition to the Vande Bharat sleeper trains, Indian Railways has also introduced the Humsafar Express and Tejas Express, which are premium sleeper trains with modern amenities and enhanced comfort.
Infosys co-founder and business leader N.R. Narayana Murthy stirred up controversy with his recent statement at the CNBC Global Leadership Summit, stating that he does not believe in work-life balance and praising Prime Minister Narendra Modi's 100-hour work week. This statement received widespread criticism, with many arguing for the importance of maintaining work-life balance. However, Murthy remains unapologetic, citing the hard work of government officials as an indication of appreciation. In light of this debate, the idea of a 70-hour work week is put into perspective, raising questions about the expectations and pressures on working professionals in India.
Mumbai's popular Metro Line 3 faced a temporary shutdown today as the BKC Metro Station was temporarily closed for operations. According to officials, the rest of the metro line remains fully functional and the temporary closure was for maintenance purposes. The unexpected shutdown caused some inconvenience to commuters, but authorities assure that the issue will be resolved soon.
Meme stocks have become a hot topic in the stock market, with investors flocking to these highly volatile and speculative stocks. These stocks refer to those that skyrocket in price and trading volume due to social media buzz. However, investing in these stocks can be risky, as they are often overvalued and not based on strong fundamentals. While some investors have seen success with meme stocks, others caution against putting too much of one's portfolio into these highly unpredictable investments. It's a trend that may not last, and predicting when it will reverse can be a costly guessing game.
The Dow Jones Industrial Average and S&P 500 futures inched higher before the opening bell on Thursday, signaling a positive start for US stock markets. Analysts are anticipating the release of key economic data on jobless claims and crude oil stockpiles, which could have an impact on the course of benchmark interest rates. This comes after the Fed's decision to lower interest rates by 25 basis points, citing a strong economy and inflation nearing its target. Stay updated on all stock market news and more on Zeebiz.com.
Sports TechnologyEntertainment, "Trump Jokes about Elon Musk's Overbearing Presence at Mar-a-Lago" Former President Donald Trump joked about tech mogul Elon Musk's frequent presence at his Mar-a-Lago estate, making light of their close relationship. While Trump praised Musk for dedicating time to his election campaign, lawmakers noted that some within Trump's inner circle see Musk's continued presence as overbearing. Musk's involvement in Trump's transition team has sparked debate among the former president's allies, with some viewing it as beneficial and others questioning his persistent influence.
Eicher Motors Ltd., the parent company of Royal Enfield, reported a net profit of ₹1,100 Crore for the second quarter of FY25. Although revenue for the quarter increased by 3.6%, it fell short of projections. VECV, another subsidiary of Eicher Motors, saw an 8% increase in income from operations. Despite a decline in Royal Enfield's sales, the company has announced its entry into the electric mobility market with the launch of a new EV brand.
Nissan South Africa has officially opened its new headquarters in Irene, South Africa, which will serve as the hub for administrative and strategic operations in the country and its Independent Markets Africa division. The move to the new building will enhance collaboration, streamline processes, and provide a more productive and progressive work environment for the team. This decision aligns with modern practices of separating corporate headquarters from manufacturing operations and reflects Nissan's commitment to innovation and efficiency in engaging with the market and customers. The launch of the new Magnite vehicle in November also marks an auspicious month for Nissan South Africa.
Pokarna, a company with a market cap of Rs 2,231 crore, has announced a strategic investment of Rs 440 crore aimed at fulfilling the increasing demand for premium quartz surfaces worldwide. This marks the launch of the company's third Bretonstone production line from Italy's Breton S.p.A., which will set new standards for capacity and environmentally friendly production. However, the stock saw a decline of 9.96% in early trade as equity benchmark indices dropped due to a combination of factors such as retail inflation, muted quarterly earnings, and weak global markets.
NTPC Green Energy, a subsidiary of NTPC Ltd., will launch its IPO on November 19 with a price band of Rs 102-108 per share. The company will also have a shareholders category, allowing current NTPC shareholders to participate. Analysts are optimistic about the IPO, citing the company's operational capacity, contracted projects, and future development plans. With NTPC targeting 60GW of RE capacity by FY32, investors are advised to buy NTPC shares to increase their chances of IPO allotment.
ScottishPower has chosen Siemens Gamesa to supply the turbine blades for their £4 billion East Anglia TWO offshore wind farm. This agreement, worth more than £1 billion, solidifies Hull as the location for the blade production. In this interview, Chet Benham, President & COO of Viridi Energy, discusses their business and focus on renewable natural gas and its role in the energy transition. Additionally, AFRY has been selected by Electroperú to oversee the modernisation and life extension of two hydro power plants in Peru.