Indian Railways Awards Contracts for 200 Vande Bharat Sleeper Trainsets: A New Era in Long-Distance Travel

Introduction

Indian Railways has taken a significant step towards enhancing long-distance travel comfort and efficiency by awarding contracts for the manufacturing of 200 Vande Bharat sleeper trainsets. This ambitious project aims to revolutionize the travel experience for passengers, offering state-of-the-art sleeper variants that promise improved comfort and efficiency. The contracts have been awarded to two consortia: Rail Vikas Nigam Limited (RVNL) in collaboration with Russian firm TMH and Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited (BHEL) in partnership with Titagarh Wagons. The commercial production of these trainsets is expected to commence in June 2025.

Indian Railways has awarded contracts to technology partners for the manufacturing of 200 Vande Bharat sleeper trainsets, as announced by Union Minister for Railways Ashwini Vaishnaw. Currently, 10 Vande Bharat sleeper trains are in production for long and medium-distance journeys. The first train, developed by BEML and the Integral Coach Factory (ICF), has been dispatched from Chennai for a loaded simulation trial. The prototype will undergo rigorous field trials, including high-speed runs, before its commercial launch. The Vande Bharat sleeper train features 16 coaches, accommodating a total of 823 passengers with various AC configurations. As of December 02, 2024, 136 Vande Bharat train services with chair car coaches operate on the broad-gauge electrified network of Indian Railways for short and medium-distance journeys, demonstrating the series’ success in enhancing railway travel.

How to Apply for These Tenders

To apply for the Vande Bharat sleeper trainsets tenders, interested parties must follow a structured process. The Ministry of Railways typically invites electronic bids for such projects. Here are the general steps to apply:

1. Tender Announcement: Keep an eye on official announcements from the Ministry of Railways or relevant authorities. These announcements are usually made on official websites and through public notifications.
2. Document Download: Once the tender is announced, download the tender documents from the official website. These documents contain detailed information about the project, eligibility criteria, and submission guidelines.
3. Pre-Bid Meeting: Attend the pre-bid meeting, if applicable. This meeting provides an opportunity to seek clarifications and understand the project requirements better.
4. Bid Preparation: Prepare your bid according to the guidelines provided in the tender documents. Ensure that all required documents and information are included.
5. Bid Submission: Submit your bid electronically before the deadline. Late submissions are typically not accepted.
6. Evaluation and Award: The submitted bids are evaluated based on various criteria, and the contract is awarded to the most suitable bidder.

Who Can Apply

The eligibility criteria for applying to the Vande Bharat sleeper trainsets tenders are generally outlined in the tender documents. Here are some common eligibility requirements:

1. Established Manufacturers: The tenders are usually open to established and reliable manufacturers or their subsidiaries/associates with a proven track record in the railway industry.
2. Technical Expertise: Applicants must possess the technical expertise and capability to design, manufacture, supply, test, and commission the trainsets according to the specified standards.
3. Financial Stability: Applicants must demonstrate financial stability and the ability to undertake large-scale projects. This may include providing financial statements and other relevant documents.
4. Compliance with Standards: Applicants must comply with all relevant standards and regulations set forth by the Ministry of Railways and other governing bodies.

By following these steps and meeting the eligibility criteria, interested parties can participate in the tender process for the Vande Bharat sleeper trainsets and contribute to the modernization of India’s railway infrastructure.

Conclusion

The Indian Railways’ initiative to introduce 200 Vande Bharat sleeper trainsets marks a transformative leap in the country’s railway infrastructure. By awarding contracts to the consortia of Rail Vikas Nigam Limited (RVNL) with TMH and Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited (BHEL) with Titagarh Wagons, the Ministry is ensuring a blend of innovation, comfort, and efficiency in long-distance travel. As commercial production gears up to start in June 2025, the Vande Bharat sleeper variants are expected to set new benchmarks in passenger comfort and operational excellence.