Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw has said that India will be manufacturing at least 1,000 new-generation Amrit Bharat trains in the following years. He highlighted ongoing efforts to develop trains capable of operating at speeds reaching 250 kmph.
India to export Vande Bharat trains
Vaishnaw mentioned that the Railways has initiated the process for exporting Vande Bharat trains. He expressed optimism that the nation could witness its inaugural export within the next five years.
Addressing the transformative measures implemented by the Railways during the past decade under the Narendra Modi administration, he emphasised key achievements such as the construction of the world’s highest railway bridge, the Chenab Bridge, and the pioneering under-river water tunnel for the Kolkata metro. These technological advancements represent significant milestones in the rail sector’s development.
“The railways has a huge social obligation. We carry about 700 crore people every year. Two and a half crore practically every day. The fare structure is such that if the cost of carrying a person is Rs 100, we charge Rs 45. So we give [a] 55 per cent discount to every person who travels by railways on an average,” Vaishnaw said.
On the topic of affordability, Vaishnaw said that India has designed a world-class Amrit Bharat train. “It provides 1,000 km of travel at a price of only Rs 454. That is the kind of affordability that has been provided,” he said. He highlighted the popularity of Vande Bharat trains among the youth. “Practically, every week one Vande Bharat is getting inducted into the fleet. We will be manufacturing at least 400 to 500 of these trains in the coming few years,” he added.