Heated Vande Bharat trains for Jammu & Kashmir by 2024

18 Aug 2023 CW Team

B G Mallya, the General Manager of ICF, revealed this strategic initiative while hoisting the national flag during Independence Day celebrations. Mallya underlined ICF's commitment to diversifying the offerings of Vande Bharat trains, emphasising that approximately 3,241 coaches in 30 different variants are in the manufacturing pipeline for the year. Among these, two push-pull trains with Linke Hofmann Busch (LHB) coaches will offer a Vande Bharat-like travel experience for non-AC segments.

Mallya elaborated on the new trains, "Enhanced interiors and top-notch passenger amenities, akin to those offered on Vande Bharat trains, will characterise this train. A specially designed locomotive will be attached to each end of the train for push-pull operations, ensuring increased speed."

Furthermore, ICF's expansion includes a sleeper version of Vande Bharat trains for long-distance journeys, Vande Metro catering to short-distance intercity commuters, and a Gati Shakti train designed for expedited freight transportation within the Vande Bharat platform. The Gati Shakti train's focus is on facilitating the movement of e-commerce goods, fast-moving consumer items, and refrigerated commodities.

Mallya proudly highlighted ICF's accomplishments, noting that despite various challenges, the factory has managed to exceed expectations by deploying 30 new-generation Vande Bharat trains, connecting cities across the nation. In the preceding year, the factory successfully achieved its target of manufacturing 2,702 coaches, a notable achievement that includes 12 state-of-the-art Vande Bharat trains, each featuring a host of enhanced features, in addition to 2,261 LHB coaches. This concerted effort underscores ICF's commitment to elevating the travel experience for passengers across diverse geographies.

In a significant move to enhance passenger comfort, the Integral Coach Factory (ICF) is on track to introduce Vande Bharat trains equipped with heating facilities for the picturesque region of Jammu and Kashmir. Set to debut next year, these trains will not only feature heating provisions within compartments but also specialised water lines, including pipes designed to prevent freezing and breakage.B G Mallya, the General Manager of ICF, revealed this strategic initiative while hoisting the national flag during Independence Day celebrations. Mallya underlined ICF's commitment to diversifying the offerings of Vande Bharat trains, emphasising that approximately 3,241 coaches in 30 different variants are in the manufacturing pipeline for the year. Among these, two push-pull trains with Linke Hofmann Busch (LHB) coaches will offer a Vande Bharat-like travel experience for non-AC segments.Mallya elaborated on the new trains, Enhanced interiors and top-notch passenger amenities, akin to those offered on Vande Bharat trains, will characterise this train. A specially designed locomotive will be attached to each end of the train for push-pull operations, ensuring increased speed.Furthermore, ICF's expansion includes a sleeper version of Vande Bharat trains for long-distance journeys, Vande Metro catering to short-distance intercity commuters, and a Gati Shakti train designed for expedited freight transportation within the Vande Bharat platform. The Gati Shakti train's focus is on facilitating the movement of e-commerce goods, fast-moving consumer items, and refrigerated commodities.Mallya proudly highlighted ICF's accomplishments, noting that despite various challenges, the factory has managed to exceed expectations by deploying 30 new-generation Vande Bharat trains, connecting cities across the nation. In the preceding year, the factory successfully achieved its target of manufacturing 2,702 coaches, a notable achievement that includes 12 state-of-the-art Vande Bharat trains, each featuring a host of enhanced features, in addition to 2,261 LHB coaches. This concerted effort underscores ICF's commitment to elevating the travel experience for passengers across diverse geographies.

Infrastructure Urban

06 Apr 2026

CFI Appoints New National Council for FY27 and FY28

The Construction Federation of India (CFI) has announced its newly elected National Council and office bearers for a two-year term covering FY27 and FY28. M. V. Satish, Advisor to CMD and Lead Ambassador for Middle East, L&T, has been elected President; Priti Patel, Chief Strategy & Growth Officer, Tata Projects, has been appointed Vice President; and Ajit Bhate, Managing Director, Precast India Infrastructures, has taken charge as Treasurer.The newly formed National Council brings together senior leaders from major EPC and infrastructure companies, reflecting CFI’s continued focus o..

Infrastructure Urban

06 Apr 2026

India REIT Market Gains Momentum with Strong Returns

India’s Real Estate Investment Trust (REIT) market is witnessing strong growth, emerging as a competitive investment avenue both domestically and across Asia. According to a recent ANAROCK report released at EXCELERATE 2026 by NAREDCO Maharashtra NextGen, the sector is evolving into a mature asset class driven by solid fundamentals, regulatory backing and rising investor confidence.The introduction of Small and Medium REITs (SM REITs) in 2025 has further widened access through fractional ownership, unlocking a potential monetisation opportunity of Rs 670–710 billion. Indian REITs have deli..

Infrastructure Energy

06 Apr 2026

G R Infraprojects Secures Rs 4,130 Million BESS Contract From NTPC

G R Infraprojects said it has secured a contract from NTPC to supply and implement a battery energy storage system (BESS) valued at Rs 4,130 million (mn). The company reported the order was awarded as part of NTPC's ongoing efforts to enhance grid flexibility and energy storage capacity. The contract represents a notable addition to the firm's project pipeline and underscores demand for utility scale storage solutions. The award is expected to strengthen G R Infraprojects' presence in the energy infrastructure sector and to contribute to the firm's order book and future revenues, subject to st..