India is set to export its Vande Bharat trains to various countries, particularly those with aging railway systems. This train offers a more cost-effective solution compared to high-speed bullet trains, which require massive investments.
The Indian state-run engineering consultancy RITES, along with Indian Railways, is developing a standard-gauge version of the Vande Bharat. This is an essential move since many global rail networks use standard-gauge tracks, unlike India’s broad-gauge system. Currently, the Vande Bharat trains operate only on broad-gauge lines within India.
Countries like Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, and Nepal have shown interest in this semi-high-speed rail model. Furthermore, India aims to expand into Africa and Latin America, demonstrating its desire to provide affordable transportation technology worldwide.
RITES Chairman Rahul Mithal emphasized that this standard-gauge version will align with international railway systems. The push to market Vande Bharat as a cheaper alternative to established bullet train systems in China, Japan, and France is noteworthy. Unlike dedicated high-speed corridors, these trains can operate on upgraded traditional tracks, significantly lowering costs for countries with budget constraints.
The manufacturing cost for a 16-coach Vande Bharat train ranges from ₹130-150 crore. This pricing puts India in a favorable position in international markets. Additionally, around 90% of the components and systems are locally sourced, showcasing India’s “Make in India” initiative.
RITES is actively expanding its railway export business, particularly in Africa. Mithal shared that the company recently fulfilled an order of 10 locomotives for Mozambique and is gearing up to supply 200 rail coaches to Bangladesh, with the prototype already approved by Dhaka.
As the demand for improved rail infrastructure grows globally, the move to export Vande Bharat trains could reshape transportation in emerging economies, offering affordability without sacrificing quality.
For more details on India’s railway initiatives, you can read this report from Mint and learn about their impact on the global transportation landscape.
