Insta
Train 18 (Indian Railways/Twitter)
The new public procurement policy released by the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) on 4 June may lead to 75 per cent local components in the Vande Bharat Express.
“The tender is ready. We are waiting to hear from DPIIT. Local component is likely to be increased up to 75 per cent," an official was quoted as saying by the Livemint.
The previous tender cancelled on 21 August because of the bidders revealing some details of financial offers while submitting technical bids had specified indigenous content at 50 per cent.
“Fresh tenders will be invited as per revised public procurement (preference to Make in India) order. As a part of Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiative, increase in indigenous content from present level of 50 per cent to a higher level is being examined," railway board chairman Vinod Kumar Yadav reportedly said on 23 August.
The new tender will have provision to make train sets at three production units— ICF, Chennai; Rail Coach Factory, Kapurthala; and Modern Coach Factory, Raebareli.
Vande Bharat Express is also known as Train 18. It is made under Made in India programme and is a semi-high speed (it runs at 160 kmph as compared to 90 kmph average of Rajdhani Express) intercity electric multiple unit.
Currently, Indian Railways operates two world-class Vande Bharat trains – New Delhi and Varanasi; and New Delhi and Katra. Both trains take just 8 hours between their destinations. Last year, Indian Railways network, the Railway Ministry gave its nod for manufacturing 44 more.
Support Swarajya's 50 Ground Reports Project & Sponsor A Story
Every general election Swarajya does a 50 ground reports project.
Aimed only at serious readers and those who appreciate the nuances of political undercurrents, the project provides a sense of India's electoral landscape. As you know, these reports are produced after considerable investment of travel, time and effort on the ground.
This time too we've kicked off the project in style and have covered over 30 constituencies already. If you're someone who appreciates such work and have enjoyed our coverage please consider sponsoring a ground report for just Rs 2999 to Rs 19,999 - it goes a long way in helping us produce more quality reportage.
You can also back this project by becoming a subscriber for as little as Rs 999 - so do click on this links and choose a plan that suits you and back us.
Click below to contribute.
Latest