Latur Coach Factory to Roll Out Next-Gen Vande Bharat Sleeper Trains

A new era in Indian rail manufacturing has begun with the inauguration of the Marathwada Rail Coach Factory in Latur, a joint venture between a Russian rolling stock major and a railway PSU. The factory is set to produce 1,920 next-generation sleeper coaches for Vande Bharat trains, translating to 120 trainsets, with the first trainset expected to be delivered within two years.

Kinet Railway Solutions, the joint venture company, has been awarded a 35-year contract for both the manufacturing and maintenance of these coaches. The project will see the modernization of existing government manufacturing facilities and depots to align with international standards, enhancing the quality and efficiency of production.

Beyond manufacturing, the factory is poised to drive socio-economic growth in the Marathwada region. Kinet’s Managing Director, Sathyamurthy K, emphasized the broader impact of the facility, which will involve over 10,000 people in its production chain. Kinet CEO Alexandra Meluzova highlighted the significant job creation this project will bring to the area.

Spanning 351 acres, the factory is equipped with 11 state-of-the-art assembly stations and specialized workshops, including facilities for car body assembly, testing, and painting. It also features a solar power plant and wastewater treatment facility, supporting India's renewable energy goals and minimizing environmental impact. The site will see over 1,000 trees planted by the end of next year, further contributing to sustainability efforts.

With plans to increase the capacity of the Vande Bharat trains from 16 to 24 coaches, Kinet Railway Solutions and Indian Railways are finalizing the configurations for the sleeper trains. The factory is set to become a key player in India's ambitious rail infrastructure development.

News by Rahul Yelligetti