Source: https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/railways-to-invest-130cr-to-boost-production-of-vande-trains/articleshow/91717230.cms
Publisher: TOI
NEW DELHI: Racing against time to roll out 75 Vande Bharat trains by August 2023, the railways will invest Rs 130 crore in the capacity enhancement of manufacturing units to increase the production of these trains. Officials said this will ensure the manufacturing of six such trains every month compared to the current capacity of four trains.
On Friday, after visiting the Integral Coach Factory in Chennai, railway minister Ashwini Vaishnaw said Indian Railways is committed to making 75 Vande Bharat trains by August 2022. He added that different regions will be connected with these trains.
Meanwhile, detailed preparations have started in the railway board for identifying and setting up depots for these trains, which need special maintenance and care. Going by the identified centres, these trains are likely to be operated in regions including Lucknow, Delhi, Ahmedabad, Kolkata, Pune, Guwahati, Tirupati, Chennai and Bhopal.
Vaishnaw also said the first two prototypes second-generation Vande Bharat trains are planned to be rolled out by August. Subsequently, 4-5 rakes would be rolled out every month to meet the requirement. The railways is also set to invite bids for 6,000 wheels for these trains, which will be manufactured in the next few months. The US and China are being considered as prime sources to meet the requirement. For mid and long-term requirements, the railways has roped in Steel Authority of India Ltd and the Rashtriya Ispat Nigam Ltd to manufacture wheels for these trains.
