Indo-Russian JV to manufacture Vande Bharat trains

In an important development, IR has signed a supply contract with Kinet Railway Solutions, an Indo-Russian JV, for manufacturing Vande Bharat trains. The development is significant due to concerns raised regarding the viability of the JV in light of recent US sanctions against senior officials associated with the Russian partners in this JV with India’s Rail Vikas Nigam Limited. According to the agreement, Kinet Railway Solutions will manufacture and maintain 120 Vande Bharat passenger sleeper train sets and also provide maintenance services for 35 years.