Mumbai: Indian Railways will conduct a Confirmatory Oscillograph Car Run (COCR) trial for the prototype Vande Bharat Sleeper rake between Ahmedabad and Mumbai Central on Wednesday. The trial aims to evaluate the train's performance and stability at speeds of up to 130 kmph.

According to an official, the trial run will begin at 7:15 AM from Ahmedabad and is scheduled to reach Mumbai Central at 12:40 PM. On the return journey, the prototype rake of the sleeper version of the Vande Bharat train will depart from Mumbai Central at 1:45 PM, traversing key stations such as Vadodara, Surat, Vapi, and Borivali, with brief halts for data collection.

A multidisciplinary team comprising officials from the Operating, Electrical, Engineering, Signals, Telecommunication, Mechanical, and Security departments of the Railway will assist the trial. During the trial run, the advanced suspension systems, improved amenities, and overall passenger safety of the prototype rake will be evaluated. The sleeper variant of Vande Bharat trains is designed to enhance passenger comfort and redefine long-distance travel experiences.

"The collected performance data will be analyzed to finalize design parameters and approve the rake for regular operations. The COCR trial is conducted by Indian Railways under the supervision of the RDSO team, the technical arm of Indian Railways, to evaluate the condition of tracks, signaling systems, traction distribution equipment, locomotives, and rakes" said an official.

This trial marks a significant milestone in Indian Railways' efforts to revolutionize rail travel by introducing sleeper versions of the Vande Bharat trains. If successful, it will pave the way for improved long-distance rail connectivity and enhanced passenger experiences.