TMC MP's Bold Claim: Vande Bharat Costs Soar 50%—Railways Ministry Responds

The Vande Bharat Sleeper train, aiming for comfort and efficiency at an affordable price, faced scrutiny over cost increases.

The Vande Bharat Sleeper train aims to provide a comfortable and efficient travel experience for passengers at an affordable price.

However, concerns have been raised regarding the significant increase in the contract costs for these trains.

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TMC MP's Bold Claim

The allegations made by Trinamool Congress MPet Gokhale raise questions about transparency and accountability in the decision-making process of the government. With the cost of the train escalating by 50%, it is crucial to ensure that public funds are being utilized effectively and that the benefits of this increase are being passed on to the people.

As the Vande Bharat Sleeper train continues to expand and improve its services, it is important for the government to address these concerns and provide clarity on the reasons behind the cost escalation. Transparency in such matters is essential to maintain public trust and confidence in the administration's ability to make informed and responsible decisions for the welfare of the citizens.

In response, the Ministry of Railways refuted Gokhale's claims, urging him to stop spreading misinformation. They clarified that the cost per coach multiplied by the number of coaches determines the total train cost. The ministry stated that due to transparency in the process, the cost per coach in the sleeper project is lower than all benchmarks.

Vande Bharat Sleeper Train Features

The Vande Bharat Sleeper train offers advanced technology and comfort, setting a new standard for rail travel. According to South Central Railway, it will run at a maximum speed of 160 kilometres per hour. This ensures a swift and comfortable journey for passengers.

These trains feature austenitic stainless steel sets, crash-worthy features for passenger safety, and best-in-class interiors with GFRP panels. The aerodynamic exterior looks, modular pantry, fire safety measures, special berths and toilets for differently-abled individuals, and automatic exterior passenger doors are among its notable features.

The Ministry of Railways further explained that they increased the number of coaches from 16 to 24 per train while keeping the total number of coaches in the contract constant. This adjustment was made to meet the high demand for train travel. Initially planned were 200 trains with 16 coaches each (totalling 3200 coaches), but now it’s revised to 133 trains with 24 coaches each (totalling 3192 coaches).

Cost Efficiency and Demand

The ministry highlighted that increasing train length results in economies of scale, thus reducing the overall contract value. They also mentioned producing a record number of non-AC coaches (12,000) due to the high demand for railway travel.

"We have increased the number of coaches from 16 to 24 to make longer trains, keeping the total number of coaches in contract constant," stated the ministry. "This is because there is high demand for train travel."

The Vande Bharat Sleeper train project aims to enhance the passenger experience while maintaining cost efficiency. The Ministry's clarification aims to address concerns about cost increases and highlight their commitment to transparency and efficiency in railway projects.

This development marks another step towards modernising India's railway infrastructure while catering to growing passenger needs effectively.