Titagarh Rail Systems set to deliver first sleeper Vande Bharat Train by late 2025

Kolkata, India (Urban Transport News): In a significant stride towards modernizing India's railway infrastructure, Titagarh Rail Systems Ltd. (TRSL), based in Kolkata, is poised to introduce the country's first privately-manufactured Vande Bharat sleeper trains by late 2025. The announcement comes as TRSL gears up to unveil a prototype of the sleeper version of these semi high-speed trains by June 2025, as revealed by the company's deputy CEO, Prithish Chowdhary, in an exclusive interview with Mint.

Chowdhary outlined TRSL's ambitious plan, stating that upon approval of the prototype, the company aims to supply 16 sleeper Vande Bharat trains within the subsequent 12 months, with deliveries commencing immediately thereafter. Over the course of four years from the prototype approval, TRSL plans to deliver a total of 80 trains to the Indian Railways, marking a significant milestone in the nation's rail transport evolution.

Titagarh Rail Systems, renowned as the largest private manufacturer of freight and passenger rolling stock in India, is investing heavily to bolster its production capabilities. With an investment of ₹1,000 crore allocated to expand operations, particularly in enhancing the passenger rail systems' production line, TRSL is set to play a pivotal role in shaping the future of India's railway sector. Notably, TRSL has already committed ₹400 crore towards this expansion, with the remaining investment scheduled over the next two years.

The monumental endeavor is part of a consortium agreement between TRSL and Bharat Heavy Electricals Ltd. (BHEL), which secured orders worth ₹10,000 crore from the Indian Railways for 80 stainless steel Vande Bharat sleeper trains, encompassing a 35-year annual maintenance contract valued at ₹14,000 crore. Leveraging its significant investment, TRSL has fortified its Uttarpara plant in West Bengal to serve as a key manufacturing hub for a substantial portion of the Vande Bharat trains, with BHEL supplying essential electrical components for the project.

Chowdhary emphasized TRSL's unparalleled preparedness, positioning the company as the first private supplier of Vande Bharat trains, alongside the ongoing deliveries by a consortium comprising state-owned Rail Vikas Nigam Ltd. (RVNL) and Russian company TMH. As demand for semi-high-speed trains surges, the Indian Railways is actively seeking investments from both domestic and international rail manufacturers to bolster local production.

In addition to sleeper trains, TRSL has its sights set on manufacturing the proposed Vande Bharat Metro trains, slated for rollout by the railways in the near future. With a commitment to bolster India's standing as a global leader in rolling stock manufacturing, Chowdhary articulated TRSL's vision of becoming the country's first multinational corporation (MNC) in the rolling stock domain, affirming the company's dedication to the 'Make in India' initiative.

As TRSL embarks on this transformative journey, a substantial portion of its proposed investment will be channeled towards doubling its passenger coach manufacturing capability by 2028, reflecting its steadfast commitment to meeting India's burgeoning rail transport demands. Alongside the Vande Bharat project, TRSL continues to fulfill orders for prominent metro systems across Pune, Surat, Ahmedabad, and Bangalore, positioning itself as a cornerstone of India's railway modernization agenda.