Russian rolling stock giant TMH (Transmashholding) has secured a significant contract for the Vande Bharat project from Indian Railways. Sergey Medvedev, TMH’s Head of Business Development in India, sheds light on the project’s execution.

TMH’s Extensive Experience:

TMH, as the fifth-largest rolling stock manufacturer globally and the leading one in Russia, boasts substantial expertise in executing large-scale infrastructure projects like Vande Bharat. The company has a vast order book in the domestic market and has recently undertaken an international project, supplying 1,350 passenger coaches to the Egyptian National Railways. TMH is renowned for its reliability, design, and affordability compared to competitors.

Technology and New Solutions:

TMH’s existing portfolio encompasses products that meet the technical requirements of the Vande Bharat tender. These products are comparable to modern EMUs in Europe or America and have been deployed in over 30 countries with diverse climatic conditions. TMH commits to creating a technology cluster in India for manufacturing high-tech rail and urban passenger vehicles, facilitating the development of a local manufacturing base and attracting other Russian companies.

Strengthening International Relations:

The Vande Bharat contract, valued at approximately $6.5 billion, will strengthen ties between Russia, India, and other nations, providing opportunities for companies to enter new markets. TMH’s collaboration with Indian companies will bridge Indian suppliers into Russia’s third-largest railway market. The railway systems of both countries share similarities, presenting immense potential for TMH to provide modern and reliable train technology to Indian Railways.

Future Plans and Investment:

TMH aims to enter the Indian rail sector for the long term. In addition to ongoing projects, the company actively participates in tenders for the supply of rolling stock, including EMUs and metro coaches for various regions. TMH’s investment in the Indian rail sector is estimated to exceed half a billion dollars, leading to the development of local suppliers, job creation, and significant tax revenues.

Supporting ‘Make in India’:

TMH acknowledges and fully supports the Indian government’s ‘Make in India’ initiative. The company is committed to maximum localization for the Vande Bharat project. Discussions with key local suppliers have taken place to ensure readiness and promote the integration of the Indian supply chain. TMH’s decision regarding the establishment of a Russian industrial zone will further boost the ‘Made in India’ strategy.

First Prototype and Future Prospects:

According to the contract, the first Vande Bharat prototype with sleeper coaches must be delivered within 24 months, followed by the readiness of the first certified product for operations six months later. TMH remains dedicated to strengthening the relationship between Russia and India, focusing on the ‘Made in India’ approach and expanding its presence in South Asia.

Note: The information provided in this article is based on an interview with Sergey Medvedev, TMH’s Head of Business Development in India.

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