ICF launches tender for design of 200 kmph standard gauge bogies for Vande Bharat trainsets

Chennai, India (Urban Transport News): In a significant development for India's railway infrastructure, Vande Bharat trains are gearing up to achieve a remarkable speed of 200 kmph. The Integral Coach Factory (ICF) in Chennai has initiated the process by calling for an expression of interest (EoI) for the design of 200 kmph standard gauge bogies for the Vande Bharat trainsets.

The current maximum speed of Vande Bharat Express (VBE) is 160 kmph, but the upcoming enhancements aim to elevate this to 200 kmph. The ICF, a key manufacturing unit for Indian Railways, has played a crucial role in producing Vande Bharat trainsets. The first version was inaugurated in February 2019 by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, followed by the improved Vande Bharat Version 2.0.

The EoI outlines the scope of work, focusing on reviewing the design of bogies to operate on the Surat to Bilimora stretch of the Mumbai-Ahmedabad High-Speed Rail Corridor. This ambitious project is set to revolutionize rail travel, offering faster and more efficient transportation options. Here are suggested technical details of the standard gauge bogies:-

• The bogie design should accommodate a service life of 35 years under standard maintenance practices.
• The current wheel diameter is 952 mm, with plans to retain the same diameter while considering wheel sizes of 915 mm.
• The 12-car trainset will be 288 m long and 3.24 m wide.
• A motorized retractable footstep is being considered to bridge the gap between the car and the platform.
• The trainset must comply with the Mumbai-Ahmedabad High-Speed Rail schedule of dimensions.
• The maximum axle load for all types of cars in the trainset is limited to 17 tonnes.

The deliverables of this ambitious project include submitting a 3D model of the full bogie, accommodating fully suspended traction motors, and providing comprehensive structural reports, including both structural and dynamic validation.

As Indian Railways continues its efforts to modernize and enhance rail travel, the Vande Bharat trains reaching 200 kmph represent a significant leap forward. The 82 Vande Bharat train services currently in operation connect 24 states and 256 districts across the country. Prime Minister Modi flagged off ten additional trains on March 12, marking a continued commitment to advancing India's railway infrastructure.

The construction of a dedicated standard gauge track for trials, with speeds reaching up to 220 kmph, further underlines the nation's pursuit of high-speed rail travel. The future holds promise for an even more efficient and rapid rail network, reaffirming India's position as a leader in railway innovation.