India is gearing up to take its indigenous semi-high-speed train technology to the global stage. RITES Limited, a public sector undertaking under the Ministry of Railways, is actively working on plans to export the Vande Bharat Express to international markets. To make this possible, the Railway Ministry is developing a specialized standard-gauge version of the train to align with global railway standards.
Key highlights of the initiative include:
• RITES is developing a standard-gauge (1,435 mm) prototype to suit international railway tracks.
• The export roadmap targets the commencement of shipments by 2025-26.
• Interest has been received from nations across Europe, Latin America, Africa, and neighbouring countries.
• India aims to launch an advanced ‘Vande Bharat 4.0’ version specifically designed for global exports.
• The current 16-coach Vande Bharat trainset is priced competitively between ₹130 crore and ₹150 crore.
Expanding the Global Footprint
Rahul Mithal, Chairman and Managing Director of RITES Limited, confirmed that the company is working closely with Indian Railways to finalize the design for the standard-gauge prototype. While India primarily operates on a broad-gauge (1,676 mm) network, the shift to 1,435 mm is essential for international compatibility. In the interim, the ministry has suggested that the existing broad-gauge models could be exported to immediate neighbours such as Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, and Nepal.
Competitive Performance and Pricing
Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw has set an ambitious timeline for this project, with the advanced global-market-ready variant expected within 18 months of the October 2025 announcement. The Vande Bharat platform has already proven its mettle domestically, boasting **high-performance metrics such as accelerating from 0 to 100 kmph in approximately 52 seconds**. This performance is comparable to premium semi-high-speed trains currently operating in Japan and Europe.
By offering these trainsets at a price range of **₹130 crore to ₹150 crore**, India is positioning itself as a cost-effective and reliable hub for modern rail mobility. RITES Limited is prepared to scale up production as soon as formal international orders are secured, marking a significant step in the ‘Make in India’ initiative expanding into the global export market.