Jindal Stainless supplies stainless steel to India's first Vande Metro train

New Delhi, India (Metro Rail Today):  In a significant stride towards enhancing inter-city travel services, the Indian Railways has unveiled its first Vande Metro train, manufactured at the Rail Coach Factory (RCF) in Kapurthala (Punjab). Spearheading the modernization efforts, Jindal Stainless, India’s leading stainless steel manufacturer, has supplied the tempered 201LN grade of high-strength stainless steel for this groundbreaking project.

The Vande Metro train represents a shorter-distance variant of the esteemed Vande Bharat Express. Noteworthy advancements include the adoption of the stainless steel 201LN grade, which offers superior characteristics compared to conventional ferritic stainless steel. By reducing the thickness of external panels from 3 mm to 2 mm, the train sets achieve a lighter, more energy-efficient profile, resulting in enhanced cost-effectiveness.

The stainless steel 201LN grade boasts exceptional corrosion resistance, heightened strength, superior durability, and improved crash-resistant properties, thus prioritizing passenger safety. Managing Director of Jindal Stainless, Mr. Abhyuday Jindal, expressed pride in the company's contribution to India's railway modernization endeavors. He emphasized the significance of transitioning from ferritic to 201LN stainless steel for the first time, highlighting the positive environmental impact through reduced carbon emissions.

The introduction of the Vande Metro aims to revolutionize urban commuting, catering to travelers covering distances of up to 250 km. With plans to connect over 120 cities nationwide, the Vande Metro is slated for launch in July of this year. Initial routes include pivotal connections such as Chennai-Tirupati, Bhubaneswar-Balasore, Agra-Mathura, Delhi-Rewari, and Lucknow-Kanpur.

This innovative venture signifies Indian Railways' commitment to embracing cutting-edge technologies and sustainable practices, setting a benchmark for passenger comfort, efficiency, and environmental stewardship.