The Integral Coach Factory (ICF) is set to introduce Vande Bharat trains equipped with heating facility for the Jammu and Kashmir region in the coming year.
Speaking after unfurling the national flag during Independence Day celebrations, B G Mallya, the General Manager of ICF revealed that these forthcoming trains will incorporate heating facilities within compartments as well as water lines. Specialized pipes will also be integrated to prevent freezing and breakage.
This initiative aligns with ICF’s strategy to create diverse versions of the Vande Bharat trains. Mallya emphasized, “ICF is planning to manufacture 3,241 coaches in about 30 variants this year. This includes two push-pull trains with LHB coaches to provide a similar travel experience of Vande Bharat trains in non-AC segments.”
Mallya further explained, “This train will feature enhanced interiors and top-notch passenger amenities, akin to those offered on Vande Bharat trains. A specially designed locomotive will be attached to each end of the train for push-pull operations, enabling increased speed.”
Moreover, ICF will be producing a sleeper version of Vande Bharat trains for long-distance travel, Vande Metro for short-distance intercity commuters, and a Gati Shakti train for expedited freight transportation within the Vande Bharat platform. The Gati Shakti train is aimed at facilitating the movement of e-commerce, fast-moving consumer goods, and refrigerated commodities.
Mallya highlighted the ICF’s accomplishment in boosting the production capacity of the new-generation Vande Bharat trains despite various challenges. He noted that the factory had surpassed expectations by deploying 30 trains thus far, linking cities across the nation.
In the previous year, the factory attained its target of manufacturing 2,702 coaches, which included 12 state-of-the-art Vande Bharat trains boasting numerous enhanced features, along with 2,261 LHB coaches.