The inauguration is expected to take place within the next 15-20 days.
Stating that testing and certification for this mega project have been completed, Vaishnav said he will share the exact launch date in the next two to three days.
Addressing a press conference on Thursday, the Railway Minister also said the fares of the Vande Bharat Sleeper Train between Guwahati in Assam and Howrah in West Bengal will be substantially lower than air travel.
The trial of the train was conducted on the Kota-Nagda section recently, during which the train achieved a maximum speed of 180 kmph, marking a significant milestone in India’s journey towards advanced and self-reliant rail technology.
During the trial, comprehensive technical evaluations were carried out, including assessment of ride stability, oscillation, vibration behaviour, braking performance, emergency braking system, safety systems, and other critical parameters.
The train’s performance at high speed was found to be fully satisfactory, and the trial was declared successful by the Commissioner of Railway Safety (CRS).
Earlier on Tuesday, the Railway Minister shared a video of the high-speed trial on social media, highlighting the successful CRS trial of the Vande Bharat Sleeper Train at 180 kmph on the Kota–Nagda section.
The video also showcased a water-glass stability demonstration, in which glasses filled with water remained steady without spillage even at high speed, underscoring the advanced ride quality, superior suspension, and technological robustness of this new-generation train.
These include comfortable sleeper berths, advanced suspension systems, automatic doors, modern toilets, fire detection and safety monitoring systems, CCTV-based surveillance, digital passenger information systems, and energy-efficient technologies.