Russia has proposed developing and manufacturing its Ivolga FG high-speed train in India, with the train designed for speeds of up to 360 kmph. The proposal comes as India expands its high-speed and semi-high-speed railway network and looks to strengthen domestic train manufacturing capabilities.
Russian rolling stock manufacturer Transmashholding (TMH) presented the concept during the recent BRICS-related events in New Delhi, offering joint research, development and manufacturing with Indian partners.
360 kmph Is a Design Target
The Ivolga FG has a proposed design speed of 360 kmph. However, this does not mean that trains will immediately operate at 360 kmph on Indian railway lines.
Actual commercial speeds would depend on infrastructure, signalling, track standards, power systems, safety certification and regulatory approvals. The Ivolga FG should therefore be viewed as a proposed high-speed train concept for India rather than an already approved Indian train service.
Existing Ivolga trains operating in Russia are primarily urban and regional electric multiple units, with production versions designed for speeds of around 120–160 kmph.
Russia Offers Joint Development
TMH is proposing a Russia-India partnership covering research and development as well as local manufacturing. The idea would allow Russian railway engineering expertise to be combined with India’s manufacturing capabilities.
The proposal is significant because it goes beyond simply supplying imported trainsets. Local production could potentially involve Indian companies in manufacturing, engineering, maintenance and the development of supporting technologies.
However, no Indian procurement contract, route, order quantity or commercial launch date has been announced for the Ivolga FG.
TMH Already Has a Railway Partnership in India
TMH already operates in India’s railway manufacturing sector through Kinet Railway Solutions, its joint venture with Rail Vikas Nigam Limited (RVNL).
Kinet is working on the manufacture and maintenance of 120 Vande Bharat sleeper trainsets for Indian Railways. Each trainset consists of 16 coaches, with production taking place at the Marathwada Rail Coach Factory in Latur, Maharashtra.
The first prototype under the existing Vande Bharat sleeper programme is expected by March 2027.
High-Speed Infrastructure Will Be Crucial
A 360 kmph train would require significantly more than a suitable trainset. Dedicated high-speed infrastructure, advanced signalling, specialised tracks, power supply, maintenance facilities and appropriate safety systems would all be required.
This makes the Ivolga FG proposal a potential long-term technology option rather than an immediate addition to India’s railway network.
Summary
Russia’s Transmashholding has proposed jointly developing and manufacturing its 360 kmph Ivolga FG high-speed train in India. The proposal includes technology collaboration and local production, building on TMH’s existing Vande Bharat sleeper partnership with RVNL. No Indian order or route has yet been confirmed, making the train a proposed future option rather than an approved service.
