The Integral Coach Factory (ICF) in Chennai, in collaboration with BEML, is working on designing and manufacturing high-speed train sets with a top speed of 280 km/h, as announced by Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw in Parliament. The train sets, which are part of the successful Vande Bharat initiative, will be produced under the "Make in India" initiative. Each car of the high-speed train is expected to cost around Rs 28 crore, making it a cost-effective option compared to other global alternatives. The train sets will feature cutting-edge design elements like aerodynamic exteriors, airtight car bodies, optimized weight, and state-of-the-art HVAC systems for passenger comfort. They will also include advanced amenities such as CCTV surveillance, mobile charging facilities, automatic doors, and fire safety equipment. The completion timeline for these trains is linked to the finalization of the detailed design. Additionally, Minister Vaishnaw provided updates on the Mumbai-Ahmedabad High-Speed Rail (MAHSR) project, which is progressing well with 336 km of pier foundations and 21 km of undersea tunnel work already underway.
