Jindal Stainless, India’s leading stainless steel manufacturer, has supplied high-strength tempered 301L grade austenitic stainless steel for the Vande Bharat sleeper coaches, a key component of the prestigious Indian government project. The prototype of the sleeper train was recently unveiled by the Minister of Railways, Shri Ashwini Vaishnaw, in Bengaluru.
Manufactured by Integral Coach Factory (ICF) and Bharat Earth Movers Limited (BEML), the Vande Bharat sleeper coaches are designed for overnight journeys covering distances between 800 km to 1,200 km. The use of tempered 301L stainless steel not only enhances durability and performance but also reduces long-term maintenance costs due to its superior corrosion resistance, making the coaches reliable over time.
Passenger safety remains a top priority, with the stainless steel providing exceptional crash and fire resistance, meeting stringent safety standards for railway transport. Capable of reaching speeds of up to 160 km/h, the coaches promise a seamless blend of mobility, comfort, and modern amenities for passengers.
Abhyuday Jindal, Managing Director, Jindal Stainless, says ““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 lead to reduction in 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 symbolizes innovation and engineering excellence of the Indian Railways.”
The first batch of Vande Bharat sleeper coaches is set to be dispatched from BEML’s Bengaluru plant on September 20, 2024, with an official launch anticipated by December 2024.
Jindal Stainless is a global leader in the manufacture and supply of specialty stainless steel finishes, including the sought-after 2J, No. 4, and DLT-DF finishes used in metro and railway coach production. The company has contributed stainless steel to several high-profile Indian railway projects such as Vande Metro, Kolkata’s underwater metro, India’s first Regional Rapid Transit System (RRTS), and the Mumbai metro. Jindal Stainless has been a trusted partner of Indian Railways since 1998, supplying stainless steel for wagons, coaches, and various infrastructure projects.
