(Metro Rail News): On 28 November, Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw provided the statement regarding the delays in starting the manufacturing process for Vande Bharat Sleeper Trains during a media interaction.
He clarified that the delays are not related to design clearance issues, stating that the design was never a concern with the Russian firm involved in the manufacturing of these train sets.
The Railway Minister made this statement as a section of the media quoting officials from the Russian company Transmashholding (TMH) reported that Indian Railways demanded the toilets and pantry cars in the new vande bharat sleeper trains leading to changes in the trains design.
The report from the Transmashholding (TMH) further stated that the company has addressed the Railway Minister’s concern regarding the changes in design of trains and has sent it to the ministry for approvals. However, the report further stated that the ministry hasn’t responded with its consent.
Ashiwini Vaishnaw stated that TMH is supposed to manufacture 1,920 sleeper coaches as per the contract. He dismissed the media reports stating that real issues regarding the delays was the TMH’s inability to manufacture 1,920 sleeper coaches due to the limited manufacturing capabilities as in Russia trains have less number of coaches as compared to India.
He added, “I want to clarify that when the contract was signed, it clearly said that they have to manufacture train sets with coaches 16/20/24.”According to the minister, the firm was clearly told that India has a bigger population so on some routes 24 coaches were needed, while 16 coaches were required on other routes.
Pl keep. Sleeper to 16 coaches only… 3 Two tier n rest 13 3 tier.. No need for pantry car.. As the train will depart at nite n reach destination morning…