BHEL-Led Consortium Bags Order Worth Rs 9,600 Cr For 80 Vande Bharat Trains

The Ministry of Railways awarded a contract to a consortium led by Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited (BHEL) to deliver 80 Vande Bharat trains at a cost of Rs 120 crore per train in the Indian Railways' mammoth tender.

According to a BSE filing by BHEL, "BHEL-TWL (BHEL-Titagarh Wagons Ltd.) consortium has been awarded an order for 80 Vande Bharat Trains in one of the biggest Railway tenders for manufacturing-cum-maintenance of Vande Bharat Trains."

It added, "In the prestigious tender for 200 trains, the BHEL-led consortium emerged as the L2 bidder against stiff competition, and has been awarded a contract for 80 Vande Bharat Trains, valued at more than Rs.23,000 Crore (excluding taxes and duties). The order value comprises supply of trainsets for Rs.9,600 Crore and balance for maintenance of the same for a period of 35 years. This order is a major milestone in the company's diversification drive."

According to the order, the BHEL-Titagarh Wagons collaboration is responsible for producing and maintaining the 80 Vande Bharat Trainsets, as well as upgrading Government Manufacturing Units and Trainset Depots. The partnership will provide the trains in 72 months and will thereafter maintain them for 35 years.