"New Coach Factory in Latur to Roll Out Next-Generation Vande Bharat Sleeper Trains"

Recently, a joint venture (JV) between a Russian rolling stock major and a railway public sector undertaking (PSU) inaugurated the Marathwada Rail Coach Factory in Latur. The facility will produce 1,920 new-age sleeper coaches for Vande Bharat trains, equivalent to 120 trainsets, with the first trainset expected to be rolled out within the next two years.

The JV, Kinet Railway Solutions, has secured a 35-year contract for both manufacturing and maintaining these coaches. The project includes upgrading existing government manufacturing facilities and depots to meet international production and maintenance standards.

Kinet Railway Solutions Managing Director Sathyamurthy K highlighted the factory's role beyond manufacturing. "This plant is more than just a production facility; it is a catalyst for socio-economic development in the region. Over 10,000 people will be involved in the entire production chain," he said. Kinet CEO Alexandra Meluzova echoed this sentiment, noting the significant employment opportunities the project will create.

The Marathwada Rail Coach Factory covers 351 acres and features 11 advanced assembly stations. It includes specialized workshops for car body assembly, warehousing, testing, bogie, and painting, with internal tracks stretching 8.6 km. The facility also boasts a solar power plant and a wastewater treatment plant, aligning with India's renewable energy goals and reducing its carbon footprint. Additionally, more than 1,000 trees are set to be planted on the site by the end of next year.

Railway sources indicated that a final agreement will be signed between Kinet and Indian Railways to finalize configurations. The project will now focus on producing 24-coach Sleeper Vande Bharat trains, up from the initially planned 16-coach design.

ET