+
India Crafting 250 kmph 'Made in India' Bullet Trains
RAILWAYS & METRO RAIL

India Crafting 250 kmph 'Made in India' Bullet Trains

According to officials familiar with the matter, the railways has assigned the task of locally manufacturing two standard-gauge bullet trains this fiscal year to the state-owned Integral Coach Factory (ICF), as discussions with Japanese suppliers became stalled over pricing.

It was revealed that India will be manufacturing a train capable of achieving maximum speeds of 250 kilometres per hour (kmph) for the first time.

These two trains are anticipated to operate on the Mumbai-Ahmedabad High-Speed Rail corridor, which is valued at Rs 1.08 trillion.

The trains are expected to be constructed on the Vande Bharat platform. Experts expressed that while utilizing an existing platform would aid ICF in reducing the time required to introduce the trainsets, supplying them within this fiscal year would pose a challenge.

A senior official familiar with the decision informed, "ICF, Chennai has been assigned the task of constructing and delivering two standard-gauge trainsets of eight cars each, featuring a steel car body, with a running speed of 220 kmph and a maximum speed of 250 kmph." He added that the order for the trains was issued earlier this week. Discussions with a consortium of Japanese rolling stock suppliers - Hitachi and Kawasaki - have been ongoing for a considerable time but have not progressed much.

"As negotiations are ongoing, we anticipate the Japanese to adhere closely to our cost estimates for the supply of bullet train rolling stock," stated a second official. The official further added that it would take suppliers approximately three years from the award date to fulfill the contract terms.

The estimated cost of a 10-coach bullet train was Rs 3.89 billion in 2018. Each train was supposed to achieve cruising speeds of over 300 kmph. However, in 2023, the estimated supply cost was revised to Rs 4.60 billion per trainset.

According to officials familiar with the matter, the railways has assigned the task of locally manufacturing two standard-gauge bullet trains this fiscal year to the state-owned Integral Coach Factory (ICF), as discussions with Japanese suppliers became stalled over pricing. It was revealed that India will be manufacturing a train capable of achieving maximum speeds of 250 kilometres per hour (kmph) for the first time. These two trains are anticipated to operate on the Mumbai-Ahmedabad High-Speed Rail corridor, which is valued at Rs 1.08 trillion. The trains are expected to be constructed on the Vande Bharat platform. Experts expressed that while utilizing an existing platform would aid ICF in reducing the time required to introduce the trainsets, supplying them within this fiscal year would pose a challenge. A senior official familiar with the decision informed, ICF, Chennai has been assigned the task of constructing and delivering two standard-gauge trainsets of eight cars each, featuring a steel car body, with a running speed of 220 kmph and a maximum speed of 250 kmph. He added that the order for the trains was issued earlier this week. Discussions with a consortium of Japanese rolling stock suppliers - Hitachi and Kawasaki - have been ongoing for a considerable time but have not progressed much. As negotiations are ongoing, we anticipate the Japanese to adhere closely to our cost estimates for the supply of bullet train rolling stock, stated a second official. The official further added that it would take suppliers approximately three years from the award date to fulfill the contract terms. The estimated cost of a 10-coach bullet train was Rs 3.89 billion in 2018. Each train was supposed to achieve cruising speeds of over 300 kmph. However, in 2023, the estimated supply cost was revised to Rs 4.60 billion per trainset.

Next Story
Infrastructure Urban

Budget Proposal Aims to Boost Investments

The recent budget proposal has introduced measures designed to promote investments and generate job opportunities across various industries, as reported by the Economic Times. This initiative seeks to stimulate economic activity and strengthen the country's growth trajectory by encouraging both domestic and foreign investments. Key aspects of the proposal include targeted incentives for sectors poised for expansion, such as renewable energy, infrastructure, and technology. The government aims to create a more favorable investment climate by offering tax benefits, subsidies, and streamlined reg..

Next Story
Infrastructure Urban

DGTR Proposes Anti-Dumping Duty on Aluminium

The Directorate General of Trade Remedies (DGTR) has proposed imposing an anti-dumping duty of up to Rs.577 per tonne on aluminium frames imported from China, as reported by the Economic Times. This move aims to address concerns about unfair trade practices and protect the domestic aluminium industry from the adverse effects of low-cost imports. The proposed anti-dumping duty comes in response to allegations that Chinese aluminium frames are being sold in the Indian market at prices below fair market value. Such practices are deemed harmful to domestic manufacturers, potentially leading to ma..

Next Story
Infrastructure Urban

Indian Financial System Resilient Amidst Challenges

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) Deputy Governor M. Rajeshwar Rao has emphasized the robust nature of the Indian financial system despite global economic headwinds, according to Economic Times. Rao?s comments reflect confidence in the stability and resilience of India's financial sector amidst a backdrop of international economic uncertainties and financial volatility. Rao highlighted that India?s financial system is well-equipped to handle external shocks due to its solid regulatory framework and prudent risk management practices. The country?s banking sector has demonstrated resilience throug..

Talk to us?