Indian Railways: New Vande Bharat Trains May Have 75 Per Cent Local Components In Line With Atmanirbhar Bharat

The new public procurement policy released by the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) on 4 June may lead to 75 per cent local components in the Vande Bharat Express.

“The tender is ready. We are waiting to hear from DPIIT. Local component is likely to be increased up to 75 per cent," an official was quoted as saying by the Livemint.

The previous tender cancelled on 21 August because of the bidders revealing some details of financial offers while submitting technical bids had specified indigenous content at 50 per cent.

“Fresh tenders will be invited as per revised public procurement (preference to Make in India) order. As a part of Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiative, increase in indigenous content from present level of 50 per cent to a higher level is being examined," railway board chairman Vinod Kumar Yadav reportedly said on 23 August.

The new tender will have provision to make train sets at three production units— ICF, Chennai; Rail Coach Factory, Kapurthala; and Modern Coach Factory, Raebareli.

Vande Bharat Express is also known as Train 18. It is made under Made in India programme and is a semi-high speed (it runs at 160 kmph as compared to 90 kmph average of Rajdhani Express) intercity electric multiple unit.

Currently, Indian Railways operates two world-class Vande Bharat trains – New Delhi and Varanasi; and New Delhi and Katra. Both trains take just 8 hours between their destinations. Last year, Indian Railways network, the Railway Ministry gave its nod for manufacturing 44 more.