Alstom, a leading rolling stock manufacturer, has been awarded a significant contract valued at over Rs 36,000 crore to produce 100 aluminum bodied Vande Bharat trains with sleeper facilities, capable of reaching speeds of up to 200 kmph.
The competition for manufacturing these 100 lightweight Vande Bharat trains was primarily between Alstom and Medha, the two major players in the rolling stock industry. Both companies met the technical qualifications, and the finance bids were opened on May 30th.
Alstom emerged as the lowest bidder, quoting Rs 150.9 crore per coach for manufacturing the aluminum bodied Vande Bharat trains with sleeper facilities. On the other hand, Medha quoted Rs 169 crore per coach but was unsuccessful in securing the contract.
The manufacturing of these trains is expected to take place at the Railways’ facility in Sonepat, Haryana. The contract, which includes 35 years of maintenance, is estimated to be valued at Rs 36,200 crore excluding taxes and price variation clause.
According to the Indian Railways, this will be the country’s first train to be made entirely of aluminum. It marks a significant milestone as the Railways venture into using aluminum coaches with sleeper facilities for the Vande Bharat trains. The 16-coach lightweight Vande Bharat trains are designed to achieve a maximum speed of 220 kmph with an operational speed of 200 kmph.
While Alstom will undertake the project independently, Medha is believed to have partnered with the Swiss company Stadler for this ambitious endeavor.
Similar to other Vande Bharat trains, the lightweight versions will feature a distributed power system. The manufacturer of the 16-coach lightweight Vande Bharat trains will also be responsible for the trains’ maintenance for a period of 35 years.
It is worth mentioning that the Indian Railways has already awarded a contract to RVNL-JSC Metrowagonmash-Mytischi (TMH) JV for the production of 120 Vande Bharat trains with a steel-based structure and sleeper facilities.
The procurement of these aluminum bodied Vande Bharat trains signifies a significant advancement in India’s railway infrastructure, offering enhanced passenger comfort and modern technology. Alstom’s successful bid for this prestigious project strengthens its position as a leading player in the rolling stock industry.
