A consortium led by Bharat Heavy Electricals (BHEL) and Titagarh Rail Systems (TRSL) today signed a contract for manufacturing and supply of 80 fully assembled Vande Bharat sleeper train sets by 2029 and their maintenance for 35 years.

This is the first time Indian Railways has awarded a contract of this value to an Indian consortium for design and manufacturing of complete train sets and maintenance for 35 years. The estimated value of the contract is Rs 24,000 crore (excluding GST).

The Vande Bharat trains represent a significant advancement for Indian Railways under the Make in India programme launched by the Government.

The BHEL-TRSL consortium was the only AatmaNirbhar consortium that participated in the tender process, subsequently being awarded the project.