In an exclusive video interview with Indian Masterminds, IRAS officer Ananth Rupanagudi offered insights into Indian Railways’ transformation, balancing affordability with innovation across its 68,000-kilometre network.
Watch the video here-
The upcoming Vande Bharat sleeper trains, set to launch by late July 2025, will enhance long-distance travel with advanced propulsion, air conditioning, and comfortable seating. Nine rakes will roll out monthly, with 200 trains planned by 2027, targeting migrant routes. Amrit Bharat trains, designed for non-air-conditioned travel, will feature 11 general and nine sleeper coaches with fire-retardant toilets, improving safety and comfort for passengers on key migration routes.
Mr Rupanagudi detailed coach manufacturing at the Integral Coach Factory, where metal shells are built, fitted with bogies and brakes, and then furnished with wiring, seats, and bio-toilets. Vande Bharat trains are assembled in dedicated shops for precision. The iconic orange livery of Vande Bharat, approved at the PMO level, distinguishes premium trains, with colours serving as brand identifiers.
Challenges include inefficient contract management, with regulations favouring railways, deterring top contractors. Mr Rupanagudi advocates for balanced contracts like the EPC model. Land acquisition delays, dependent on state cooperation, also cause cost and time overruns, requiring streamlined laws. Public-private partnerships are vital, treating contractors as progress partners.
Operating on an operating ratio, Indian Railways prioritises service over profit. While Vande Bharat and Amrit Bharat mark progress, project delays and service quality need work.
To dive deeper into these insights, watch the full video interview on Indian Masterminds.
