In a landmark development set to redefine the future of Indian railways, Indian Railways has inked a monumental $6.5 billion contract with Kinet Railway Solutions, a subsidiary of Rail Vikas Nigam Limited (RVNL). This agreement, which underscores the robust collaboration between India and Russia, aims to manufacture
1,920 Vande Bharat Express coaches at the Marathwada Rail Coach Factory (MCRF) located in Latur, Maharashtra. Kinet Railway Solutions, known for its cutting-edge expertise in electric passenger train manufacturing, will not only produce these coaches but also take on the responsibility of maintaining them for a period of 35 years. The commissioning of the Marathwada Rail Coach Factory represents a significant stride in the ongoing efforts to modernise India’s railway network. During the inauguration event, K.

Sathyamurthy, Managing Director of Kinet Railway Solutions in Latur, emphasised the transformative impact of the facility. “This plant is not merely a manufacturing unit; it is a beacon of socio-economic progress for the region. The entire production chain will engage over 10,000 individuals, contributing to employment generation, supporting ancillary industries, and fostering skill development. This initiative is a critical component of the broader vision of ‘Viksit Bharat’—a developed India by the centenary of our Independence.”

The Marathwada Rail Coach Factory, which occupies a sprawling 351-acre site, had its foundation laid by Prime Minister Narendra Modi earlier this year. The commencement of active preparations at the facility marks the beginning of the serial assembly of Vande Bharat sleeper coaches, a pivotal step towards enhancing the passenger experience on India’s railways.

Under the terms of the $6.5 billion contract, Kinet Railway Solutions will also spearhead the upgrading of existing government manufacturing facilities and depots to align them with global production and maintenance standards. The MCRF facility itself is set to be a model of modern engineering, featuring 11 advanced assembly stations, internal testing tracks extending over 8.6 kilometres, and specialised workshops that include a car body shop, warehouse, assembly line, testing areas, bogie workshops, and paint shops.

Sustainability lies at the heart of this ambitious project. The MCRF is equipped with a state-of-the-art solar power plant and a comprehensive wastewater treatment system, significantly reducing its carbon footprint and supporting India’s renewable energy goals. Additionally, the project includes a commitment to environmental stewardship, with over 1,000 trees slated for planting on the site by the end of next year.

The event was graced by several key dignitaries, including NSR Prasad, Chief Administrative Officer at Latur’s Integrated Coach Factory (ICF), Neeraj Kumar Dohare, Divisional Rail Manager (DRM) at Solapur, Pradeep Gaur, Chief Managing Director (CMD) of RVNL, and Alexandra Meluzova, CEO of Kinet Railway Solutions. Kinet Railway Solutions, an Indian entity with deep Russian ties, was established to play a pivotal role in the Vande Bharat project. After an extensive international tendering process, Kinet was selected for the dual task of manufacturing and maintaining the Vande Bharat coaches, signifying a strong and strategic partnership between India and Russia in advancing India’s rail infrastructure.