Vande Bharat Sleeper First AC Coach: Sudhanshu Mani Hails Quantum Comfort Leap скачать в хорошем качестве

Vande Bharat Sleeper First AC Coach: Sudhanshu Mani Hails Quantum Comfort Leap

Join this channel to get access to perks:    / @newsstation   The unveiling of the Vande Bharat Sleeper train's innovative First AC coach design by the Indo-Russian joint venture Kinet Railway Solutions has sparked optimism for a premium overnight rail revolution in India. Showcased on Wednesday at the International Railway Equipment Exhibition (IREE) 2025 in Bharat Mandapam, the prototype drew crowds eager to explore its ergonomic features, drawing high praise from Sudhanshu Mani, the former General Manager of Integral Coach Factory (ICF) and the visionary behind the original Vande Bharat Express. In an exclusive on-site interview with NewsStation editor Siddharatha, Mani toured the full-scale mock-up, offering candid insights into the project's evolution, challenges, and standout design elements. "At first glance, it looks good—much better furnishing than the new coaches coming out of Indian Railways factories," Mani remarked, highlighting the seamless panels and ceilings that exude a premium, joint-free finish absent in current models. The Kinet design, part of a massive contract for 120 sleeper trains (out of 200 floated by Indian Railways), stems from a joint venture between Russia's Transmashholding (TMH) and Rail Vikas Nigam Limited (RVNL)—not purely Russian, as Mani clarified. "It's finalized at 16 coaches per train after initial delays on specs—20 or 24 coaches were discussed," he explained. Titagarh Rail Systems, awarded the remaining 80 trains, is also ramping up production. Both firms are "working at full throttle," with Kinet's walk-through model stealing the show. Mani contrasted this with earlier prototypes: Two sleeper trains built by BEML under less stringent specs are complete—one delivered from BEML to ICF, the other ready for oscillation trials. "The story is problematic—they built the first Vande Bharat and should've rushed it to service immediately. Waiting for two to hide flaws doesn't make sense," he critiqued, speculating on potential early issues. Trials for the second could wrap in two to three months, paving the way for inaugural services in 2026. Delving into the First AC compartment's four-berth layout—prioritizing privacy with spacious, bright interiors—Mani lauded the easy-access staircase. "Five steps with a rubber sheet on top—better than Indian Railways' fewer steps; it's safer and less slippery." He appreciated dedicated lower-berth storage for books and phones (absent on uppers, though a bracket suffices), superior glass holders, and sturdy foldable tables. The rear snack nook, refined after BEML's shoddy initial attempt, offers compact utility: "Good for one or two; upper-berth diners will love it for meals without descending." Sleek, thin holding bars earned a thumbs-up for firmness without bulk: "What works is right—no need to overdo it; it's a good, streamlined design." The upper luggage rack's novel configuration stood out: "Haven't seen this in our trains—top marks." Lighting, positioned ergonomically for reading (higher than standard lowers), pairs with built-in USB charging points per berth. "Great for ergonomics, though I worry about plug grip—hope they've addressed it," Mani noted. On space, the coach adheres to specs but feels marginally compact versus traditional First AC: "My long legs might dangle a bit, but ambience and comfort are spot-on." Cushions, thinner for fire-retardant compliance, match existing levels without compromise. Climbing proved effortless: "Small steps make it a breeze—no head bumps even in shoes. Best stair design I've seen among Indian Railways' trials." Wrapping the tour, Mani declared the prototype a "good development" and hoped Titagarh would match it. "If they maintain this quality in series production, it's a quantum leap over current sleeper standards—a sleek design with real comfort." Siddharatha emphasized the transformative potential: "From the Vande Bharat creator himself, these comfort features set it apart—easy access, smart storage, and superior finishes herald a new era." As Indian Railways eyes 1,920 coaches from this JV to connect cities overnight at semi-high speeds, the IREE buzz underscores global collaboration's role in modernizing travel. With production accelerating, commuters could board these enhanced sleepers by late 2026, blending luxury with efficiency. For more, tune into NewsStation. #VandeBharatSleeper #IREE2025 #SudhanshuMani #IndianRailComfort