Delivery of 200 Vande Bharat sleeper coaches likely to get delayed

26 Sep 2024 CW Team

It was suggested that the arrival of 200 sleeper variant Vande Bharat trains may face delays, as negotiations regarding modifications to the design of coaches and train length under the nearly Rs 600 billion supply and maintenance contract are still ongoing. Sources familiar with the matter indicated that progress on the prototype for the sleeper trains, which was awarded as part of this contract, has also been slow due to these discussions.

Indian Railways is reportedly eager to acquire 24-coach trains, as outlined in the contract. A senior official, knowledgeable of the situation, explained that the contract terms allow for adjustments in the number of coaches per rake, with options for 12-, 16-, or 24-coach trains, without any increase in cost.

The contract to supply and maintain 200 sleeper trains was awarded to Kinet Railway Solutions, along with a consortium of Bharat Heavy Electricals Ltd (BHEL) and Titagarh Rail Systems (TRS) in mid-2023. Though prototype trains were meant to be presented within a year, both suppliers have yet to commence work on them.

In a separate development, BEML and Integral Coach Factory (ICF) in Chennai were awarded a contract to supply 10 trains. Some coaches from the BEML-ICF prototype were showcased earlier in the month, with the first commercial rollout expected later this year.

Kinet Railway Solutions, a joint Indo-Russian venture, was tasked with supplying 120 sleeper variant trains at a cost of Rs 120 crore per 16-coach rake. The BHEL-TRS consortium is to supply 80 trains at the same cost. A spokesperson from Kinet Railway Solutions confirmed that discussions with Indian Railways are ongoing to finalise the changes requested. Once the scope change details are agreed upon, a revised project timeline will be set. Kinet remains committed to delivering the contract in full cooperation with Indian Railways.

Resources

09 Mar 2026

Haworth India Hosts Women’s Leadership Panel Series

Haworth India marked International Women’s Day by hosting a leadership roundtable series titled ‘Give to Gain’, bringing together senior women leaders from architecture and design firms, corporates and project management consultancies. The series has been conducted in Delhi and Mumbai, with upcoming sessions scheduled in Bengaluru and Hyderabad on 27 March 2026. Structured as moderated panel discussions followed by audience interaction, the initiative examined the business impact of women’s leadership and the role of inclusive workplaces in supporting professional growth. Manish Khan..

Max Estates Secures RERA For Max One Project

Max Estates has secured RERA approval (UPRERA No.: UPRERAPRJ9759) for its Max One development around Max Towers in Sector 16B, Noida, bringing renewed progress to a project previously stalled following the insolvency of its earlier developer. Spread across around 10 acres with an estimated development potential of about 2.5 million sq ft, Max One is planned as an integrated mixed-use campus combining serviced residences, premium offices, retail spaces and a private club. The project is expected to generate total sales potential of about Rs 20 billion along with an estimated annuity rental inc..

Hindware Introduces Starc Smart Wall Mount Toilet

Hindware has introduced the Starc Smart Wall-Mount Toilet under its Hindware Italian Collection, designed to combine automation, hygiene and contemporary bathroom aesthetics. The model features automatic flushing, sensor-based seat opening and closing, and remote-controlled functions. It also includes an oscillating water spray and warm air dryer for cleaning, along with a self-cleaning nozzle designed to maintain hygiene. Additional features include adjustable heated seating, customisable water temperature and pressure settings, a foot-touch flush system and an LCD control interface. The wa..