Indian Railways prepares new tender guidelines for semi-high speed train

New Delhi (Urban Transport News): During his speech on 73th Independence Day of India, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said that "Vande Bharat Express" defines the changing aspirations of people in India. However, even as the New Delhi-Varanasi Vande Bharat Express continues to register high occupancy and production of Train 18 coaches has been stopped by the Indian Railways.

They are preparing new tender guidelines. At present, Indian Railways is planning to introduce the second Vande Bharat Express, meanwhile, the process to bring in the next batches of the Train 18 type trainsets has gone through a shift. The Railway ministry has decided to procure complete trainsets from the market instead of manufacturing the next batch of Vande Bharat Express trainsets like first two trainsets.

Sources said that Research Design and Standard Organisation (RDSO) is preparing standards and specifications of the subsequent trainsets that are to be manufactured under the 'Make in India' programme of the Central Government. A senior official from Ministry said that once this process is complete, the tender will be floated, following which industry can participate as per the specifications laid down for the new Vande Bharat Express type trainsets.

He further said that it is being ensured that the new tender guidelines and specifications do not end up favouring any one particular vendor by the Indian Railways. In his Independence Day speech, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said that the citizens of India are no longer content with just a railway station or line. The thinking of the public has changed from traditional to next generation. The citizens of the country do not want only good railway stations or bus stands, they also ask when will Vande Bharat Express come to our area.

The second Vande Bharat Express or Train 18 is all set to run between Delhi and Katra. Once introduced, the travel time between the two cities will be reduced to just eight hours as against the current 12 hours.