Due to ongoing discussions over key design modifications and train length specifications, the rollout of 200 sleeper variant Vande Bharat trains may be delayed, as informed in a recent media report.
Likely Delay In Rollout Of Vande Bharat Trains
This would be related to the nearly Rs 60,000 crore supply and maintenance contract as it is at the center of these negotiations, said the sources.
Further adding that the progress on the prototype for the sleeper version of Vande Bharat which is awarded under the contract, has been slower than anticipated due to these talks.
Under this agreement, Indian Railways appears to be keen to acquire 24-coach trains.
“The contract terms allow for altering the coach configuration in each rake. Railways can request 12-, 16-, or 24-coach trains without any increase in costs,” said
A senior official involved in the project as quoted in the media report.
Earlier in mid-2023, the 200 sleeper Vande Bharat trains contract was awarded to Kinet Railway Solutions, alongside a consortium of Bharat Heavy Electricals Ltd (BHEL) and Titagarh Rail Systems (TRS).
They had plans to showcase prototype trains within a year, but it appears that the work is yet to begin.
Besides this, they have given a separate contract to BEML and Chennai’s Integral Coach Factory (ICF) to supply 10 sleeper variant trains.
Its first batch is expected to roll out commercially by the end of this year but they have already displayed some coaches of their prototype earlier this month.
Why Would This Happen?
Being an Indo-Russian joint venture, Kinet Railway Solutions secured the order for 120 sleeper variant trains at Rs 120 crore per 16-coach rake.
In addition to this, the BHEL-TRS consortium will supply 80 trains under the same pricing structure.
Regarding the ongoing discussions with Indian Railways, a Kinet spokesperson confirmed about the changes to the scope of the contract.
Adding, “We are in continuous talks with Indian Railways to finalize the scope adjustments. Once agreed, a new project timeline will be established. Kinet remains committed to fulfilling the contract in collaboration with Indian Railways,”
