Vande Bharat Sleeper Trains Set for Production by 2025-26
Vande Bharat sleeper trains, part of India’s ambitious rail modernisation project, are set to enter the production phase by 2025-26, according, Deputy Managing Director of Titagarh Rail Systems. The company, in collaboration with the defence PSU BHEL, was awarded the contract in 2023 for the manufacture of 80 Vande Bharat sleeper sets, valued at ₹9,600 crore. The contract is set to span four years, with each train set costing ₹120 crore, alongside an additional ₹13,400 crore allocated for maintenance over 35 years.
The design phase of these sleeper sets has faced significant scrutiny, particularly regarding the addition of a pantry car to the trains. Following Titagarh’s submission of initial designs to the Union Ministry of Railways, the Ministry suggested certain modifications, such as the inclusion of a pantry car, which required substantial engineering adjustments. There was also a critical discussion on whether the trains should have 16 or 24 coaches. However, after much deliberation, Titagarh has now decided to proceed with the original plan for a 16-coach configuration, putting previous uncertainties to rest. Chowdhary highlighted that the decision, while challenging, clarified the path forward, allowing the design to proceed without further delay.
The Vande Bharat sleeper sets, designed to offer enhanced comfort for long-distance travel, are seen as a significant upgrade over the current fleet. They are part of a broader vision to modernise India’s railways and provide a more efficient and sustainable travel experience. These sleeper sets will not only contribute to improving passenger comfort but also align with the government’s green initiatives by being energy-efficient, eco-friendly, and a part of India’s push towards reducing carbon emissions.
Additionally, Titagarh Rail Systems is involved in another major rail project, this time with the Chinese state-owned CRRC Corporation Limited for the supply of coaches to Bangalore Metro. This contract, valued at ₹1,578 crore, involves the production of 216 coaches, with Titagarh responsible for manufacturing 204 of them. This deal underscores Titagarh’s growing prominence in the rail manufacturing industry, particularly in the production of high-quality metro coaches. Despite the geopolitical tensions between India and China following the Galwan Valley incident, Titagarh has managed to establish itself as a reliable local partner, taking on the manufacturing of these coaches as part of an effort to mitigate the impacts of international strains.
In the realm of expansion, Titagarh is also looking to diversify its business further by venturing into two new verticals: signalling and safety systems, and shipbuilding. With a track record of producing 12,000 freight wagons and nearly 840 passenger coaches annually, the company is poised to explore new opportunities for growth. Chowdhary noted that while the roadmap for these new ventures is still being finalised, the company’s strategic focus remains on scaling up its capabilities and expanding its footprint across various sectors, including railway safety and maritime systems.
Titagarh’s entry into these new business areas signals a broader trend of Indian companies diversifying their portfolios and leveraging the country’s growing infrastructure needs. With the Vande Bharat sleeper trains poised to be a game-changer in the rail sector, the company is positioning itself as a major player in India’s transport and infrastructure development efforts.
As India moves forward with these ambitious infrastructure projects, Titagarh’s role is crucial not only in meeting the immediate needs for modern trains but also in driving the country’s long-term vision of sustainable, eco-friendly, and technologically advanced transportation systems.
