Indian Railways set to issue Tender for manufacturing of High-Speed Trainsets

New Delhi, India (Metro Rail Today): The Ministry of Railways is set to invite bids for the design and manufacture of two high-speed trainsets capable of reaching speeds up to 250 km/h. This initiative aligns with India’s growing emphasis on advanced rail infrastructure and high-speed travel.

In June 2024, Indian Railways issued a directive to the Integral Coach Factory (ICF) in Chennai to produce two standard gauge trainset rakes, each comprising eight coaches. The specifications for these trainsets include a maximum speed of 250 km/h and a running speed of 220 km/h. The trainsets are to be constructed from steel.

Key Considerations

1. Standard Gauge Limitation: It is important to note that standard gauge tracks are not currently used in India. This indicates that the tender is aimed at exporting these trainsets, as India’s rail network primarily uses broad and meter gauges.

2. Speed Comparison: The upcoming Ahmedabad-Mumbai bullet train is designed to achieve speeds exceeding 300 km/h, making the 250 km/h maximum speed of these new trainsets relatively lower in comparison. This difference may impact their competitiveness on the global stage.

3. Trial Logistics: Due to the lack of standard gauge tracks in India, trials for these trainsets will need to be conducted abroad. This adds a layer of complexity and cost to the project.

4. Market Challenges: The majority of standard gauge rolling stock is operated by European countries, Japan, China, and other developed regions. Competing in these mature markets with a limited order quantity of 16 coaches could prove challenging, akin to selling "ice to Eskimos."

5. Manufacturing and Cost Considerations: With only 16 coaches to be manufactured, the production volume is relatively small. This suggests that it may be more cost-effective to adapt an existing design rather than develop a new one from scratch. Such a strategy would involve assembling subcomponents in India, potentially increasing costs and complicating adherence to the Make in India initiative.

6. Design and Competition: To remain competitive against mass-produced standard gauge coaches from Europe, China, and other regions, it is likely that the project will need to adopt an existing design. Developing a new design may not be feasible given the small production scale.

Implications for the Industry

This tender underscores Indian Railways' commitment to enhancing its high-speed rail capabilities while also navigating the complexities of international rail standards and manufacturing constraints. The project may face significant challenges related to cost, design competition, and logistical issues, but it represents a strategic step towards expanding India’s rail export potential and enhancing global rail infrastructure connectivity.

For more insights on this project, please join the discussion forums of 2nd RailTrans Expo 2024 to be held on 15th & 16th October 2024 at Hyatt Centric, Janakpuri West Metro Station, New Delhi, India.

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