With the full-scale production of the Vande Bharat Sleeper Express at Marathwada Rail Coach Factory in Maharashtra's Latur yet to commence, the first complete sleeper rake of the semi-high speed train is expected to roll out by mid-2026, the Free Press Journal reported.The factory recently received the car body shell from a Chennai-based company, which will undergo several rounds of testing before production of coaches begins.All systems required for manufacturing the sleeper coaches are reportedly in place.Production will begin in phases under a contract between Indian Railways and the private firm Kinet.The first complete rake, comprising 16 coaches, is expected to roll out by June 2026.The sleeper version of the Vande Bharat Express is designed for speeds of up to 160 km/h and will accommodate 823 passengers per rake.Each coach will include three toilets and a small pantry. The estimated manufacturing cost of one rake is Rs 120 crore.Located on 351 acres, the Latur coach factory employs around 10,000 people and includes modern workshops for bogie fitting, car body assembly, painting, and testing.It has 11 high-tech assembly stations and an 8.6-km internal track network for testing and movement.Initially, two rakes (32 coaches) will be produced.Over time, the factory aims to manufacture 1,920 sleeper coaches.Maintenance facilities are being planned in Delhi, Bengaluru, and Jodhpur.While the upgraded sleeper trains promise enhanced speed and comfort for long-distance travel, passengers will have to wait a bit longer to experience the next phase of the Vande Bharat journey.https://swarajyamag.com/news-brief/vande-bharat-sleeper-express-from-latur-factory-with-16-coaches-160-kmph-speed-to-roll-out-by-june-next-year-report (ICE MUMBAI)

Fonte notizia: Swarajya