The inauguration of Vande Bharat Express has taken place in Kerala, and additional routes are expected to be launched in the near future.
Latur the main manufacturing hub
The objective is to enhance the connectivity among major cities across the country.
To ensure an uninterrupted supply of coaches for Vande Bharat Express, Marathwada Railway Coach Factory in Latur has been enlisted.
As per Union Minister Raosaheb Danve’s statement, a minimum of 120 modern Vande Bharat trains will be produced at Marathwada Railway coach factory in Latur, with efforts underway to commence manufacturing by August.
Operations to soon begin
The tendering process for coach manufacturing is in the final phase, and the contract is expected to be concluded shortly.
As per Danve’s statement, the Central government has granted Rs. 600 crore for the establishment of the coach factory in Latur, and endeavors are being made to commence operations at the earliest possible time.
The contracting process is currently in progress with a partnership between Russia and Indian Rail Vikas Nigam Limited (RVNL).
It is anticipated that coach production will commence by August.
Efforts ongoing
Plans have been announced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi to introduce 400 new Vande Bharat trains, out of which 120 will be produced in Latur.
Additionally, if needed, the factory will manufacture another 80 trains.
Both the Central and state governments have been making endeavors towards the development of new railway lines, electrification, dualization, and the completion of pending railway projects in the state.
According to Danve, the construction of the Wardha-Yavatmal-Nanded and Ahmednagar-Beed-Parli Vaijnath railway lines is currently in progress.
Moreover, the initial phase of dualization of the Manmad-Nanded line is anticipated to receive clearance shortly, and the Solapur-Tuljapur railway has already been granted approval.
