Alstom to supply traction components and maintenance services for Vande Bharat sleeper trains in India
Alstom, a global leader in smart and sustainable mobility, has been awarded a contract worth €144 million (approx. INR 1285 cr) to supply Mitrac traction components and other electrical equipment for 17 Vande Bharat Sleeper trainsets (408 cars). The systems will be supplied to Indian Railways’ Integral Coach Factory (ICF) in Chennai. The contract also includes preventive and corrective maintenance of the traction and major electric equipment, as well as support services, for a five-year period, after completion of warranty, at various railway depots. The equipment will be installed in 24-car sleeper trainsets on the Vande Bharat platform, designed to run at a maximum speed of 180 km/h, with a service speed of 160 km/h.
In view of the contract win, Olivier Loison, Managing Director, Alstom India said, “The Vande Bharat trains represent the modern face of rail-based mobility in India, and it is a matter of pride for us to yet again partner with Indian Railways in furthering their vision. Alstom has the widest components portfolio in the rail industry, which has been developed at the back of decades of experience in delivering rail solutions across the globe. Our strong manufacturing and engineering presence in India, will allow us to deliver the world-class products and optimise maintenance.”
In India, Alstom has engineering and industrial presence for components with the sites of Savli (bogies), Coimbatore and Maneja (bogies and traction equipment). The contract execution will be done at the Maneja site, with a prototype delivery expected to begin by August 2026 followed by serial production, which is due to commence in 2027. The maintenance contract will consequentially start in 2029. Established in 1996, the Maneja site today runs more than 20 local and export projects with a total capacity of 900,000 manhours in two shift operation.
With the widest components portfolio in the industry, Alstom offers the best solution available to original equipment manufacturers, operators and asset owners, for increasingly safe and environmentally friendly travel. Its range of state-of-the-art and proven systems and products includes bogies, motors, dampers, brake friction, switchgear, traction and auxiliary converters, transformers, green traction solutions, interiors and train control & information systems.
Alstom is also the market leader in rail services globally, supporting customers over the entire asset lifecycle with the broadest portfolio of services solutions. Alstom’s FlexCare Sustain solutions cover parts, repairs, component overhauls and obsolescence management. Alstom provides 24/7 customer care through a worldwide network of repair and overhaul centers to sustain the safety and reliability of fleets for the long run.
Alstom is supporting the government’s modernization initiatives, with world class rolling stock, rail equipment and infrastructure, signalling and services. Fully aligned with the country’s vision of Make-in-India and Atmanirbhar Bharat, Alstom remains deeply committed to strengthening its local sourcing and supply chain ecosystem.
Above views are of the author and not of the website kindly read disclaimer
