Local Production for High-Speed Trains in India

India prepares to launch local production for high-speed trains to boost technological independence. This initiative focuses on sustainable development and strengthening India’s railway infrastructure nationwide. This was reported by the railway transport news portal Railway Supply.

The high-speed train project will rely on the Vande Bharat platform, which will undergo significant modernization. Upgrades to the bogies, car bodies, and power systems will ensure compliance with speed standards. Additionally, the Kavach 5.0 signaling system will enhance operational safety and efficiency along the route.

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Last year, India announced a tender for supplying trains to the Mumbai-Ahmedabad high-speed corridor. This tender included 24 Japanese E5 Series Shinkansen trains by Hitachi Rail and Kawasaki Heavy Industries. However, negotiations with Japanese companies ended without success, leading India to focus on designing its trains.

The Ministry of Railways requested Integral Coach Factory in Chennai to create two prototype electric trains. These prototypes will achieve speeds of up to 250 km/h, forming the foundation for national production. Furthermore, a tender announced in September aims to design and manufacture these high-speed train models.

In October 2024, BEML Limited received a contract worth ₹8.67 billion ($105 million) for train production. The company will design, manufacture, and commission India’s first locally made high-speed trains. Production will take place in Bangalore, and delivery is scheduled for late 2026.

The new trains will reach maximum speeds of 280 km/h with operational speeds limited to 250 km/h. This project marks a significant milestone, showcasing India’s innovation and ability to develop advanced transportation technology.

Benefits of Local Production for High-Speed Trains

Local production for high-speed trains reduces dependence on foreign technologies and suppliers while enhancing domestic manufacturing capabilities. It also improves the quality and reliability of India’s high-speed rail network.

Future Technologies for High-Speed Trains in India

Introducing local production for high-speed trains represents a crucial step toward modernizing India’s railway system. This initiative will strengthen the economy and generate new jobs in advanced technological sectors.

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