Indian Railways is actively working on a plan to introduce aluminum-body coaches for Vande Bharat Express trains. This move aims to match the rail standards of countries like China, USA, and France. Aluminum coaches are lighter and require less maintenance, which will help in achieving speeds of up to 200 kmph. The shift from traditional stainless steel to aluminum is seen as a major step toward modernizing the fleet and providing a smoother travel experience for passengers.
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Why is Indian Railways shifting to aluminum coaches?
The primary reason for this shift is to reduce the weight of the trains. Aluminum is significantly lighter than stainless steel or iron, which are currently used in Indian train sets. Lighter trains consume less energy and can accelerate much faster. Additionally, these coaches have a longer lifespan and are resistant to corrosion, leading to much lower maintenance costs over time. Railway officials believe that using extrusion technology for these alloy coaches will make the trains more durable and suitable for high-speed operations.
Key updates and companies involved in the project
Several domestic and international companies are involved in bringing this technology to India. While a previous tender for 100 aluminum-body trains was canceled due to pricing issues, the government is expected to re-launch the process with revised cost estimates. The project involves significant investments and technological partnerships to ensure that the coaches are manufactured locally under the Make in India initiative.
| Entity Name | Key Role or Update |
|---|---|
| Alstom | Bid for previous tender at 150.9 crore per train |
| Hindalco | Partnered with Metra SPA for rail technology |
| Titagarh Rail Systems | Domestic OEM with aluminum coach expertise |
| Sudhanshu Mani | Ex-GM ICF who envisioned 200 kmph speeds |
| Modern Coach Factory | Evaluating manufacturing with foreign tech |