Indian Railways Opts for 80 Vande Bharat Trains with 24 Coaches, Reducing Total Order from 120 to 16-Coach Train Sets

August 21, 2024

New Delhi: Indian Railways has revised its procurement strategy for the much-celebrated Vande Bharat Express trains, opting to purchase 80 train sets, each consisting of 24 coaches, instead of the initially planned 120 train sets with 16 coaches. This decision is aimed at enhancing capacity while optimizing operational efficiency.

Strategic Shift in Procurement

The Vande Bharat Express, also known as Train 18, has been a flagship project under Indian Railways’ modernization drive. The decision to reduce the number of train sets while increasing the number of coaches per set is seen as a strategic move to accommodate higher passenger volumes on key routes.

Indian Railways officials noted that the change comes after a thorough analysis of passenger demand and operational requirements across various routes. The 24-coach configuration allows each train to carry more passengers, making it ideal for busy corridors where the demand for seats often exceeds availability.

Enhanced Passenger Experience

The 24-coach Vande Bharat trains will continue to offer the premium services that the train series is known for, including state-of-the-art facilities, improved seating comfort, and faster travel times. The increase in coach numbers is expected to ease the burden on peak-time services, particularly on popular routes like New Delhi-Mumbai and New Delhi-Kolkata.

The Vande Bharat trains have already gained popularity due to their advanced features, such as quicker acceleration and deceleration, on-board Wi-Fi, and GPS-based passenger information systems. The new trains will maintain these features while offering increased capacity.

Operational Efficiency and Cost Considerations

By opting for fewer train sets with more coaches, Indian Railways aims to strike a balance between capital expenditure and operational efficiency. The revised procurement plan is expected to reduce overall costs related to train maintenance and station infrastructure. Fewer train sets mean reduced maintenance complexity, as well as streamlined scheduling and turnaround times.

The decision to go with 24-coach train sets will also align with the existing platform lengths at major stations, avoiding the need for significant infrastructure modifications.

Industry Impact

This strategic shift is likely to have ripple effects across the railway manufacturing sector in India. The Vande Bharat trains are manufactured by the Integral Coach Factory (ICF) in Chennai, and the revised order will likely lead to adjustments in production schedules and supply chains.

While the reduction in the number of train sets might initially seem like a setback for manufacturers, the increase in coach numbers per set could balance out the production demand. The industry is expected to adapt to these changes, focusing on delivering quality at scale.

Looking Ahead

Indian Railways continues to focus on its long-term vision of modernizing its fleet and improving the passenger experience. The Vande Bharat Express trains have been a significant part of this vision, symbolizing the country’s commitment to fast, reliable, and comfortable rail travel.

As the railway network expands and demand for faster trains grows, Indian Railways' decision to adopt larger train sets could set a new standard for future train procurements. Passengers can look forward to more spacious and comfortable journeys as the Vande Bharat Express continues to revolutionize rail travel in India.