200 new units of Vande Bharat train on the way with aluminium, sleeper coaches

Indian Railways has floated a tender worth INR 26,000 crore for manufacturing 200 units of Vande Bharat train with aluminium coaches, following the government’s commitment to launch new Vande Bharat trains during the budget announcements.

The new Vande Bharat train in version 3 will have sleeper coaches, including AC-1, AC-2 and AC-3, to facilitate comfortable long distance overnight journeys, as well as AC chair car seating format. Until now, 102 Vande Bharat Express trains have been launched but they come with only seating arrangements.

To build lightweight trains, specifications have been given for lightweight bogies, transformers and motors. Hence, the trains will be lighter, more energy-efficient, and have more modern conveniences and passenger facilities.

The Railway Ministry wishes to increase the number of Vande Bharat trains on important routes, primarily due to its speed. Vande Bharat is a semi-high speed train capable of travelling at an average speed of 160 kmph.

The procurement of 400 Vande Bharat trains was announced earlier in the Union Budget 2022-23. According to the budget, a 16-coach train is estimated to cost INR 120 crore.

The new 200 units of Vande Bharat will be constructed at Latur facility apart from the production sites in Kapurthala, Chennai, and Rae Bareli.