The Ministry of Railways has set a major target to operate 800 pairs of Vande Bharat trains by the year 2030. To support this massive expansion, a special two-week training program commenced on Monday at the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Patna. This initiative is a collaborative effort between IIT Patna and the Indian Railways Institute of Mechanical and Electrical Engineering (IRIMEE), Jamalpur. The goal is to prepare a skilled workforce capable of handling advanced railway technologies.
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What is the focus of the IIT Patna training workshop?
The training workshop began on February 9, 2026, and will continue until February 20 at the Bihta campus of IIT Patna. It was inaugurated by Prof. T.N. Singh, Director of IIT Patna, and Animesh Kumar Sinha, Director General of IRIMEE. The program is designed for 25 senior railway officers from different zones across the country. The curriculum focuses on high-voltage electrical systems, specifically 25kV AC, which powers these modern trains.
Experts at the workshop are providing instruction on international safety standards and risk management. The training covers the technical aspects of both Vande Bharat and Namo Bharat (Rapid Rail) platforms. Participants are learning about sophisticated propulsion systems, computerized braking, and the integration of the Kavach 4.0 collision avoidance system. This ensures that the workforce is ready for the automated diagnostics required for next-generation rolling stock.
Future Targets and Manufacturing Costs of Vande Bharat
During the event, officials reaffirmed the target of having 800 operational Vande Bharat trainsets within the next four years. The long-term vision under the “Viksit Bharat” plan includes expanding this number to 4,500 trainsets by 2047. Currently, there are approximately 164 Vande Bharat services operational in India. The government is also investing in sleeper versions and smaller configurations to meet diverse travel needs.
Cost Estimates for Vande Bharat Trains:
- Standard 16-Coach Set: ₹115 crore to ₹130 crore
- Advanced Version: ₹140 crore to ₹150 crore
- Mini Vande Bharat (8-Car): Approx ₹65 crore
- Sleeper Project Budget: ₹55,000 crore for 80-120 trainsets
