Rail Chamber appoints Vande Bharat Train Leader Dr. Sudhanshu Mani as Independent Advisor

New Delhi, India (Metro Rail Today): The Chamber of Railway Industries (Rail Chamber) has appointed Dr. Sudhanshu Mani, former General Manager of Integral Coach Factory (ICF), Chennai, as an Independent Advisor to its Advisory Board. Widely regarded as the driving force behind India’s first indigenous semi high-speed train, Train 18 (Vande Bharat Express), Dr. Mani’s inclusion marks a significant step in strengthening the Chamber’s focus on innovation and policy leadership.

Dr. Mani brings over 38 years of distinguished experience in Indian Railways, having retired in the apex grade of Secretary to the Government of India from the Indian Railways Service of Mechanical Engineering. During his career, he held several key leadership roles, including General Manager of ICF and Railway Advisor at the Embassy of India in Berlin, where he gained exposure to advanced global railway systems and international collaborations.

Architect of Vande Bharat and Champion of Indigenous Innovation

Dr. Mani is best known for conceptualising and leading the development of Train 18, now known as the Vande Bharat Express, a landmark project that redefined India’s capabilities in indigenous train manufacturing. His expertise spans rolling stock design, railway manufacturing, project execution and strategic collaborations, making him one of the most respected figures in the sector.

A graduate engineer in both mechanical and electrical disciplines, Dr. Mani is also a Fellow of the Institution of Mechanical Engineers (IMechE), London. In recognition of his contributions to engineering and innovation, he has been conferred honorary Doctor of Science and Doctor of Philosophy degrees.

Commenting on the development, Mrs. Mamta Shah, MD & CEO, Urban Infra Group, said, “Dr. Sudhanshu Mani’s contribution to India’s rail sector, particularly through the successful development of Vande Bharat, has been transformative. His association with the Rail Chamber will bring invaluable insights into indigenous manufacturing, innovation and policy direction, which are critical for the next phase of growth in the railway and metro sectors.”

Thought Leader and Influential Voice in Rail Sector

Beyond his professional achievements, Dr. Mani is an accomplished author and thought leader. His book “My Train 18 Story” offers an insider’s perspective on the development of India’s first semi high-speed train, while his writings and public engagements continue to shape discourse on engineering, infrastructure and national development. He is also actively involved in advisory roles across the corporate sector and contributes to railway and metro publications.

Welcoming the appointment, Dr. Vinod Shah, Director General, Indian Chamber of Railway Industries, stated, “We are honoured to have Dr. Sudhanshu Mani join our Advisory Board. His pioneering leadership and deep technical expertise will significantly strengthen our efforts in advancing innovation, policy advocacy and global competitiveness in the railway sector.”

Strengthening Industry Collaboration and Future Vision

The Chamber of Railway Industries continues to play a pivotal role in promoting collaboration, knowledge exchange and policy advocacy across the railway and urban transit ecosystem in India. The inclusion of eminent leaders like Dr. Mani further reinforces its commitment to driving technological excellence and supporting the country’s ambitious rail modernisation agenda.

As India accelerates investments in high-speed rail, metro systems and indigenous manufacturing, the addition of seasoned experts to advisory roles is expected to play a crucial role in shaping the future direction of the sector.