IRCTC: Vande Bharat Train Making Cost: India’s Vande Bharat Express has broken new records in rail travel of the present times with high-speed connectivity, sophisticated safety features, and improved passenger comfort. As India keeps increasing its fleet of semi-high-speed trains, the cost of producing a Vande Bharat train shows the amount of investment India needs for railway modernization.
The cost of producing a 16-coach Vande Bharat train has also changed over the years. Although the earlier models were produced at ₹106 crore for each train. The recent estimates indicate newer models that cost about ₹115 crore. Due to technological advancements and advances in materials, the cost per train can be ₹140–150 crore based on procurement and manufacturing efficiencies.
Different aspects are involved in determining the total cost of manufacturing a Vande Bharat train, such as:
1. Cutting-Edge Technology and Safety
The latest variants feature collision-avoidance technology (Kavach), fire warning systems, and real-time tracking, which contribute to a higher cost during manufacturing.
2. Speed Optimisation
To run at a speed of 160–180 kmph, Vande Bharat trains demand lighter material and better aerodynamics, which are more expensive to manufacture.
3. Bulk Production Efficiency
The Indian government itself has decided to manufacture 400 Vande Bharat trains. And the estimated investment of around ₹50,000 crore has been done. Higher production is sure to decrease the cost in the longer run.
4. Reliance on Imported Components
Few components such as train wheels and sophisticated electronic components are imported from countries like the Czech Republic, Poland, and the United States, hence increasing the cost.
Also Read: IRCTC Update: Vande Bharat Sleeper Launch Speeded Up
Vande Bharat Express represents a huge leap towards Indian rail modernization. With its cost of production anticipated to be around ₹106 crore to ₹150 crore. The trains reflect India’s focus on technologically advanced, high-speed, and efficient rail networks. As the production scale goes upwards, the cost may turn towards becoming equal, which will pave the way for the induction of more such path-breaking trains in the near future.