The joint venture (JV) between a major Russian rolling stock manufacturer and a railway public sector undertaking (PSU) inaugurated the Marathwada Rail Coach Factory in Latur. The factory is set to produce 1,920 new-age sleeper coaches for Vande Bharat trains, which will be equivalent to 120 trainsets. The first trainset is expected to be rolled out within the next two years.
The JV, named Kinet Railway Solutions, has been awarded the contract to manufacture and maintain the coaches for a duration of 35 years. The project includes upgrading existing government manufacturing facilities and depots to align with global production and maintenance standards.
Kinet Railway Solutions' managing director, Sathyamurthy K, stated that the plant is more than just a manufacturing facility, as it is expected to act as a catalyst for socio-economic development in the region. He noted that more than 10,000 people would be involved in the production chain. The CEO of Kinet, Alexandra Meluzova, emphasised that this substantial project would generate significant employment opportunities for the region.
The Marathwada Rail Coach Factory spans 351 acres and features 11 advanced assembly stations. It will include various specialised workshops, such as a car body shop, warehouse, assembly, testing, bogie, and paint shops, with internal tracks extending 8.6 km. The facility also boasts a solar power plant and a wastewater treatment plant, contributing to a reduced carbon footprint and supporting India's renewable energy goals. Furthermore, more than 1,000 trees are planned to be planted on the site by the end of the following year.
Railway sources indicated that a final agreement between Kinet and Indian Railways is forthcoming, as there are minor adjustments needed in the configuration. Previously, a 16-coach train was planned, but it has now been decided to proceed with a 24-coach Sleeper Vande Bharat train.
