Russia has proposed to supply advanced high-speed train technology to India with a strong focus on domestic production and infrastructure development. Transmashholding presented this major proposal during the INNOPROM India exhibition held in New Delhi from September 9 to 11, 2026. Here are the key highlights of the Russian high-speed train proposal for the Indian railway network: The proposed Ivolga train sets can reach a maximum operational speed of 360 kilometers per hour. The project promises 80 percent local manufacturing within India to support the Make in India initiative. Each eight-car train set will accommodate approximately 642 passengers with a designed lifespan of 30 years. The overall project involves estimated investments exceeding $400 billion focusing on technology transfer.
The presentation of the project was led by TMH CEO Kiril Lipa in the presence of Russian President Vladimir Putin and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Rather than merely exporting ready-made train units, the Russian manufacturer aims to foster joint development of scientific technical and component infrastructure inside the country. This approach ensures that local suppliers play a major role in building the future high-speed fleet.
No formal purchase agreement or specific high-speed corridor deal has been finalized yet by Indian authorities. Any potential contract moving forward will undergo thorough evaluations regarding safety standards technical compatibility with the existing Indian rail network overall costs and specific operational requirements. This new development builds upon existing partnerships between the two nations which includes a previous $6.5 billion agreement for manufacturing 120 Vande Bharat sleeper trains through a joint venture alongside ongoing collaborations on Vande Bharat 2.0 projects.
