Delhi, Feb 4: The process of development of new rolling stocks like Vande Sleeper necessitates a holistic approach, combining technological innovation, strategic planning and manufacturing to ensure a safe, reliable and comfortable travel.

This involves development of prototype, extensive testing and trials followed by series production.

Vande Bharat Sleeper Train manufacturing programme is being executed in a phased manner through prototype development, trials and series production by BEML & Integral Coach Factory, Chennai and technology partners.

Induction of these trainsets into regular passenger service will be undertaken in a phased manner based on demand and operational readiness. A total of 260 rakes of Vande Bharat Sleeper trainsets have been planned for manufacture.

This information was provided by the Union Minister for Railways, Information & Broadcasting and Electronics & Information Technology, Ashwini Vaishnaw, in a written reply to a question in Lok Sabha today.

To improve travel experience of the passengers and set new benchmarks in terms of safe and comfortable journey, these train sets have been provided with modern coaches having advanced safety features and passenger amenities like,

Jerk-Free Semi permanent couplers and Anti Climbers, KAVACH, Higher acceleration with design/operating speed of 180/160 KMPH and Crashworthy Design of Car body complying with EN standards.

Similarly, air conditioning units provided with indigenously developed UV-C lamp-based disinfection system for deactivating 99 % harmful bacteria from conditioned air to improve the hygiene standards inside the passenger area.

Apart from it, emergency talk-back unit for communication between Passenger and Train Manager/Loco Pilot in case of emergency, are available inside the train, Vaishnaw added.