Zee Business Exclusive: Railways preparing for Vande Bharat, semi-high-speed train expansion, may issue forged wheel tender soon

The Indian Railways is set to soon issue tenders for the forging of wheels for train coaches, in line with the government's plan to expand the country's railway network. The Railways will be inviting bids for the forging of about one lakh wheels for the expansion projects soon, Zee Business learned from sources. 

It was also understood that the Railways will also place orders for the production of other trains, including Vande Bharat Trains, and by 2026, more than two lakh wheels may be required for such premium trains, according to the sources. 

Moreover, a large number of existing train coaches are expected to be replaced by Vande Bharat Trains and other semi-high-speed trains in India.

In August, with a view to improving rail connectivity, the Union Cabinet approved seven projects worth Rs 32,500 crore under the Ministry of Railways. The projects would span around 35 districts in nine states, which will add 2,339 km to the existing railway network, according to an official statement. 

The BJP also mentioned in their manifesto for the ongoing Lok Sabha elections that they will be expanding the Vande Bharat trains to every corner of the country and will also introduce three new models of Vande Bharat—the Vande Bharat Sleeper, the Vande Bharata Chair Car, and the Vande Bharat Metro to run in the country.

Also Read: "BJP to expand Vande Bharat, bullet train projects": PM Modi

Earlier this year, the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, also approved six projects of the Ministry of Railways worth approximately Rs. 12,343 crore, which will help to improve the infrastructure on some of the busiest sections across Indian Railways.

Rashtriya Ispat Nigam (RINL), Steel Authority of India Limited (SAIL), and Ramakrishna Forgings are expected to be the forerunners in getting the tender for the expansion projects.