Indian Railways is significantly scaling up its modernization efforts by introducing 27 new Vande Bharat train sets. This major infrastructure push, backed by an investment of ₹2,700 crore, focuses on enhancing passenger comfort through both chair car and sleeper configurations currently under production at three national coach factories.
Key highlights of the upcoming railway expansion include:
- Deployment of 27 new Vande Bharat train sets featuring chair car and sleeper options.
- Development of indigenous high-speed trainsets by BEML capable of 280 kmph test speeds.
- Significant progress on the Mumbai–Ahmedabad Bullet Train project, now 55-58% complete.
- Upcoming trial run of a new Chair Car Vande Bharat on the challenging Sakleshpur to Subramanya Road Ghat section on August 11, 2026.
- Production target of 50 units of 24-car Vande Bharat Sleeper rakes at the Integral Coach Factory.
Focus on Indigenous Super Trains
While the Vande Bharat rollout continues, India is simultaneously advancing its indigenous super train project. BEML is currently manufacturing two high-speed trainsets designed to reach test speeds of 280 kmph, intended for trials on the Mumbai–Ahmedabad High-Speed Rail corridor. This move reflects a strategic shift toward domestic manufacturing, especially as officials evaluate the financial viability of imported bullet train technology versus the cost-effective, locally produced Vande Bharat rakes.
Infrastructure and Future Projections
The Mumbai–Ahmedabad Bullet Train project has already seen an expenditure of over ₹80,000 crore. While partial operations are expected by 2027, the project has faced technical hurdles, such as delays in procuring tunnel boring machines for the undersea tunnel. To mitigate reliance on external factors, Union Railways Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw has prioritized the scaling of indigenous production.
Looking ahead, the fiscal year 2026-27 will be a landmark period for Indian Railways. With plans to deploy 17,000 new coaches, the network will see a massive influx of Vande Bharat, Amrit Bharat, and Namo Bharat trains. Despite some delays in joint-venture sleeper projects, the Integral Coach Factory (ICF) in Chennai is fast-tracking production to ensure these modern, comfortable, and safe trains become a staple of the Indian railway experience.