The mega contract to produce and supply 200 Vande Bharat trains and maintain them for the next 35 years was bid for by Bharat Heavy Electricals (BHEL), Titagarh Wagons (TWL), and four other bidders.

Other bidders include the French company Alstom, a partnership between the Swiss companies Stadler Rail and Medha Servo Drives, Siemens and BEML, the Russian Transmashholding (TMH) with an Indian company, and the French company BEML.

Notably, the BHEL-TWL consortium is the only one that is entirely Indian, with both of its members being homegrown businesses. Given the lengthy contract commitment of 35+ years, PSU BHEL being the lead member would be advantageous. Additionally, it would support the government of India's Make in India and Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiatives.

The technical bids for the contract are currently being evaluated by Indian Railways, and the financial bids will be opened in 45 days. The successful bidder must create a sleeper class prototype for Vande Bharat trains within 24 months, per the tender document.

The premium Rajdhani Express service is expected to receive a significant upgrade from the Vande Bharat trains, and Indian Railways plans to introduce the first sleeper version of the Vande Bharat trains by the first quarter of 2024. Indian Railways has so far awarded contracts for the production of 102 chair-carrying Vande Bharat trains.

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