ICF Chennai floats tenders for 44 high-speed train sets

The Railway Ministry informed that the Integral Coach Factory, Chennai, has floated tenders for 44 semi high-speed rakes or train sets and the financial e-bid and EMD particulars should be submitted online as stipulated in the bid document. Indian Railways operate two Vande Bharat trains – between New Delhi and Varanasi, and between New Delhi and Katra. Both trains take 8 hours between their destinations and reduce travel time. The Vande Bharat Express is Indian Railways first self-propelled engine-less train that can run at a maximum permissible speed of 160 kmph. During trials, it has hit speeds of 180 kmph, making it India's fastest train. To transform passenger experience on the Indian Railways network, the Railway Ministry gave its nod for the manufacturing of 44 more under 'Make in India' Vande Bharat Express trains. The coaches will be equipped with modern features including automatic plug doors with retractable footsteps, side destination boards, automatic intercommunication door, speakers, mobile and laptop charging sockets, CCTVs, emergency talkback units with networking system, diffused lighting for luggage racks, continuous LED lights, GPS antenna and mini pantry with modular equipment. The upcoming semi-high speed trains will have basic units with four coaches, which can be attached or detached from the train, considering the demand. In case of defects it will be possible to replace the basic units or in case the demand increases, the train length could be augmented up to 24 coaches.