Vande Bharat Sleeper Trial: Railways Minister Faces Flak As Speed Test Video Goes Viral

The Vande Bharat Sleeper train, a significant development for Indian Railways, is nearing the end of its testing phase. Designed for long-distance journeys with improved comfort, it recently reached a speed of 180 km/h during trials. Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw shared a video on social media platform X, highlighting the train's performance on January 3, 2024.

Despite the impressive speed test, many social media users expressed dissatisfaction. One user criticised the train's punctuality, stating that their three trips were all delayed. Another user raised concerns about maintaining cleanliness in response to a video showing high-speed trials in Kota, Rajasthan.

Public Concerns and Criticisms

Critics also pointed out issues like poor toilet conditions and subpar food service compared to Western trains from two decades ago. A user lamented, "Stop patting your own back. Stinky toilets, avg built, pathetic food service - vande bharat coaches are still archaic as compared to coaches of western world built 2 decades back. Shame that we cannot have something of that level despite the railway fair mafia in action."

Another concern was the potential for pan masala stains on the train. A user remarked on the government's revenue from gutka and its expenditure on cleaning: "We need to save the Vande Bharat sleeper train from pan masala stains. The government earns ₹12,000 crore in revenue from gutka but loses it all on cleaning."

A news headline shared by a user read: 'First Vande Bharat sleeper train set for January launch, but speed unlikely to meet expectation'. This reflects scepticism about whether the train can consistently achieve high speeds.

Comparisons and Regional Disparities

Some users questioned what makes Vande Bharat special if it can't exceed 130 km/h, a speed Rajdhani Express has maintained since 1969. They wondered if it's just about marketing and aesthetics: "I do not understand what is special about Vande Bharat if it cannot even run at 130kmph. Rajdhani Express was launched in 1969 and has been running at 130Kmph for the last 54 years. Just marketing/looks? Anything else?"

Regional disparities were also highlighted by users questioning why new trains start in North India first: "Why will all new trains first will start in North India only, is that South India is inferior to you guys or what? First vande bharat train Gujarat, First vande bharat sleeper in UP, First Hi-speed or bullet train to Ahmedabad? Not fair enough I feel personally"

Broader Railway Issues

Other users urged attention to broader railway issues beyond Vande Bharat. One suggested using Pareto's principle to address top concerns like ticketing mafias and overcrowding: "Sir,seems like u r nt d Rly minister bt Vande Bharat minister Other issues r also there dat needs priority, please use pareto 80:20 principal to solve the top 20% causes. Tatkal ticketing mafia Over crowding in reserved trains by unreserved passengers support helpline quality etc"

A suggestion was made for state governments to manage railways with better infrastructure akin to Japanese or European standards: "Railway should be under state government and its infrastructure must be 1000 times better. The central government only focuses on the costly Vande Bharat. Bengal needs Japanese, Chinese, European-like local trains," a user argued.

Some viewed Vande Bharat as merely a marketing strategy without substantial ground changes: "Vande Bharat was just a marketing tactic with no major change on ground, as it was to be used to get middle class nationalistic types become stooges of Modi" one user argued.

The introduction of the Vande Bharat Sleeper train has sparked varied reactions online. While some appreciate its advancements, others remain critical of its practical benefits and broader railway challenges.