TMH-RVNL sign agreement for 120 sleeper Vande Bharat Trains after resolving differences

New Delhi, India (Metro Rail Today): In a significant development, Russia's TMH Group and India's Rail Vikas Nigam Limited (RVNL) have successfully resolved their differences as consortium partners in the sleeper design Vande Bharat trains tender.

In a statement, RVNL proudly announces the signing of a crucial Share Purchase Agreement with TMH subsidiary-Metrowagonmash and Russian equipment supplier, Locomotive Electronic Systems (LES).

Sources reveal that top government officials played a pivotal role in encouraging RVNL and TMH to resolve their differences, leading to a much-awaited breakthrough expected this month.

The TMH-RVNL consortium secured the bid for the supply and maintenance of 120 sleeper body type Vande Bharat trains with a remarkable bid of Rs 120 crore per train, which significantly outperformed competitors like BHEL-Titagarh, Bharat Earth Movers Ltd (BEML)-Siemens, Alstom Transport, and Medha Servo Drives-Stadler Rail.

Officials familiar with the discussions confirm that RVNL has agreed to adhere to the shareholding pattern established in an earlier agreement with TMH, resolving a major obstacle that affected their partnership prospects.

After initial tensions, the issue of RVNL's request for a higher stake in the joint venture (JV) has been resolved, ensuring a harmonious partnership moving forward.

TMH-RVNL successfully secured the contract to supply 120 out of 200 trains offered by Indian Railways, with delivery and maintenance scheduled until 2029 over a 15-year period.

Last month, the BHEL-Titagarh consortium matched TMH-RVNL's bid price and secured the contract with Indian Railways for manufacturing the remaining 80 Vande Bharat sleeper train sets.