Latur Coach Factory Launches New-Gen Vande Bharat Sleeper Trains

05 Sep 2024 CW Team

The joint venture (JV) between a major Russian rolling stock manufacturer and a railway public sector undertaking (PSU) inaugurated the Marathwada Rail Coach Factory in Latur. The factory is set to produce 1,920 new-age sleeper coaches for Vande Bharat trains, which will be equivalent to 120 trainsets. The first trainset is expected to be rolled out within the next two years.

The JV, named Kinet Railway Solutions, has been awarded the contract to manufacture and maintain the coaches for a duration of 35 years. The project includes upgrading existing government manufacturing facilities and depots to align with global production and maintenance standards.

Kinet Railway Solutions' managing director, Sathyamurthy K, stated that the plant is more than just a manufacturing facility, as it is expected to act as a catalyst for socio-economic development in the region. He noted that more than 10,000 people would be involved in the production chain. The CEO of Kinet, Alexandra Meluzova, emphasised that this substantial project would generate significant employment opportunities for the region.

The Marathwada Rail Coach Factory spans 351 acres and features 11 advanced assembly stations. It will include various specialised workshops, such as a car body shop, warehouse, assembly, testing, bogie, and paint shops, with internal tracks extending 8.6 km. The facility also boasts a solar power plant and a wastewater treatment plant, contributing to a reduced carbon footprint and supporting India's renewable energy goals. Furthermore, more than 1,000 trees are planned to be planted on the site by the end of the following year.

Railway sources indicated that a final agreement between Kinet and Indian Railways is forthcoming, as there are minor adjustments needed in the configuration. Previously, a 16-coach train was planned, but it has now been decided to proceed with a 24-coach Sleeper Vande Bharat train.

Infrastructure Transport

01 Jun 2026

MMRDA advances 250 m on Orange Gate–Marine Drive tunnel

The Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) has completed 250 m of underground tunnelling for the Orange Gate–Marine Drive Urban Road Tunnel using India’s largest slurry shield tunnel boring machine (TBM) deployed for an urban road project.The project involves twin tunnels extending over 7 km beneath critical transport corridors, including Central Railway, Western Railway and Metro Line 3. The work requires high-precision engineering to navigate densely developed urban infrastructure.Once completed, the tunnel is expected to reduce travel time between Orange Gate and Marin..

Hindustan Zinc Pays Rs 188.46 Billion in FY26

Hindustan Zinc contributed Rs 188.46 billion to the public exchequer in FY 2025-26, according to its 9th Tax Transparency Report. The contribution, equivalent to 46 per cent of the company’s revenue, included direct and indirect taxes, government royalties, dividends to the Government of India, withholding taxes and other statutory levies.The company’s five-year cumulative contribution to the exchequer stood at Rs 915.72 billion. In FY26, Hindustan Zinc reported revenue of Rs 408.44 billion, EBITDA of Rs 221.62 billion and profit after tax of Rs 138.32 billion. It also achieved its highest..

World of Concrete India 2026 Opens in Mumbai

Informa Markets in India will host the 12th edition of World of Concrete India 2026 from 3–5 June 2026 at the Bombay Exhibition Centre, Mumbai. The specialised B2B exhibition will bring together manufacturers, suppliers, contractors, developers, architects, consultants, infrastructure companies, project leaders and government stakeholders.The event is expected to feature over 350 brands and more than 18,000 trade professionals. It will cover concrete and cement, dry mortar, precast technologies, formwork, construction chemicals, industrial and commercial flooring, scaffolding, safety solutio..