The mega contract to manufacture and supply 200 Vande Bharat trains and maintain them for the next 35 years was bid by Bharat Heavy Electricals (BHEL), Titagarh Wagons (TWL) and four other bidders.

Other bidders include France's Alstom, a partnership between Swiss companies Stadler Rail and Medha Servo Drives, Siemens and BEML, Russia's Transmashholding (TMH) with an Indian company, and France's BEML.

Notably, the BHEL-TWL consortium is the only one that is all-Indian, and both members are home-grown companies. Considering the long-term contract commitment of over 35 years, PSU BHEL as a lead member would be advantageous. In addition, it would support the initiatives of the Government of India's Make in India and Aatmanirbhar Bharat.

The technical bids for the contract are currently being evaluated by Indian Railways and financial bids will open in 45 days. The successful bidder must make a prototype sleeper class for Vande Bharat trains within 24 months, according to the tender document.

The premium Rajdhani Express service is expected to receive a significant upgrade of the Vande Bharat trains, and Indian Railways plans to introduce the first sleeper version of the Vande Bharat trains by the first quarter of 2024. Indian Railways has so far awarded contracts for the production of 102 Vande Bharat seat-carrying trains.