In a significant development for India’s railway sector, the Integral Coach Factory (ICF) has unveiled plans to manufacture 30 new Vande Bharat Express rakes in the fiscal year 2023-24. This initiative is poised to address the growing demand for high-speed trains and bolster the nation’s railway infrastructure, ensuring a more comfortable and efficient travel experience for passengers.
ICF to Manufacture 30 New Vande Bharat Express Rakes
The Integral Coach Factory (ICF) has announced its ambitious agenda to produce 30 additional Vande Bharat Express rakes in the upcoming fiscal year. This endeavor aims to meet the escalating demand for high-speed rail services and enhance the country’s transportation network significantly.
Since its inception in 2018-19, the ICF has already manufactured 10 rakes of India’s first indigenous semi-high-speed train, the Vande Bharat Express. With the production rate set to rise in the coming months, the Indian Railways has allocated a substantial budget of INR 15,428 crore to the ICF for the next fiscal year. Moreover, plans are underway to introduce the sleeper class version of the Vande Bharat Express train, currently in the conceptual stage.
Meeting the Rising Demand of Vande Bharat
Recognizing the surge in demand for high-speed trains, the ICF has committed to scaling up the production of Vande Bharat Express. The factory has already rolled out 10 rakes of this indigenous semi-high-speed train, with plans to increase production to 3-4 rakes per month post-March, depending on supply inputs.
Indian Railways Allots INR 15,428 Crore to Integral Coach Factory
As part of its commitment to enhancing railway infrastructure, the Indian Railways has earmarked INR 15,428 crore for the ICF in the upcoming fiscal year. Additionally, a fund of INR 67 crores has been allocated to improve the manufacturing infrastructure for blue and white train coaches.
Sleeper Class Version and New Features
Looking ahead, the Indian Railways aims to introduce the sleeper class version of the Vande Bharat Express trains, subject to passenger demand and inputs from zonal railways. Currently, the train boasts advanced security features, automatic plug doors, touch-free sliding doors, and revolving seats in the Executive class, among other amenities.
Production Ramp-up
Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw recently announced plans to accelerate the production of Vande Bharat Express trains. Manufacturing facilities will now be established in Haryana’s Sonipat, Maharashtra’s Latur, and Uttar Pradesh’s Rae Bareilly, aligning with the growing demand for high-speed rail services across the country.
Conclusion
The ICF’s ambitious plan to manufacture 30 new Vande Bharat Express rakes in FY 2023-24 represents a significant leap forward for India’s railway infrastructure. With enhanced passenger comfort and security features, the Vande Bharat Express continues to redefine rail travel in the country. The substantial allocation of funds by the Indian Railways underscores the government’s commitment to modernizing railway infrastructure and meeting the evolving needs of passengers nationwide.
