The Business Bytes
New Delhi, September 06, 2024 (TBB Bureau): Jindal Stainless, India’s leading stainless steel manufacturer, has provided stainless steel for the Vande Bharat sleeper coaches, the prototype of which was recently unveiled by the Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, in Bengaluru recently. Jindal Stainless supplied high-strength tempered 301L grade austenitic stainless steel for this prestigious government project. The coaches are being manufactured by the Integral Coach Factory (ICF) and Bharat Earth Movers Limited (BEML). The Vande Bharat sleeper train is designed for overnight journeys covering 800 to 1,200 km.
The tempered 301L austenitic stainless steel used in these coaches offers superior performance and durability, with corrosion resistance characteristics that lead to lower life-cycle costs and long-term reliability. Additionally, it enhances passenger safety with its excellent crash and fire resistance properties, ensuring high safety standards in railway transport.
Commenting on this development, Jindal Stainless Managing Director Abhyuday Jindal said, “The Vande Bharat sleeper train is set to mark a new era of innovation in Indian Railways, and we are proud to play a pivotal role in this transformative project that will revolutionize long-distance travel in India. The use of tempered 301L austenitic stainless steel will reduce the weight of each coach by approximately 2 tonnes. This weight reduction will lead to improved energy efficiency and a lower carbon footprint, aligning with the sustainability goals of modern rail transport. The enhanced safety and aesthetic appeal of this new train symbolize the innovation and engineering excellence of Indian Railways.”
With the capability to achieve speeds of up to 160 km/h, these coaches will offer an unparalleled combination of mobility, comfort, and contemporary amenities. The first batch of coaches is scheduled for dispatch from BEML’s Bengaluru plant on September 20, 2024, with an official launch anticipated by December 2024.
