New Delhi: Rail Vikas Nigam Limited (RVNL) is progressing with the manufacturing of the first Vande Bharat sleeper train prototype at the upgraded Marathwada Rail Coach Factory in Latur, Maharashtra. The prototype is now expected to roll out by March 31, 2027, during the current financial year.
RVNL Chairman and Managing Director Saleem Ahmad shared the update during the company’s 23rd Annual General Meeting held on Tuesday.
The company had earlier targeted June 2026 for the first prototype, but the deadline has now been extended to March 2027.
RVNL and TMH Partner for Vande Bharat Sleeper Trains
RVNL and Russian company Transmashholding (TMH) have partnered to establish Kinet Railway Solutions Ltd, an Indo-Russian joint venture for manufacturing Vande Bharat sleeper trainsets.
Under the project:
- 120 Vande Bharat sleeper trainsets will be manufactured.
- Each trainset will comprise 16 coaches.
- Manufacturing will take place at the Marathwada Rail Coach Factory in Latur.
- The first prototype is expected to roll out by March 31, 2027.
The project marks a major step in RVNL’s expansion into rolling stock manufacturing alongside its traditional rail infrastructure activities.
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RVNL Rebalances Order Book and Expands Business
Saleem Ahmad highlighted RVNL’s strategic transition, including the rebalancing of its order book and expansion into new areas.
The company is focusing on:
- Rolling stock manufacturing
- National-scale telecommunications infrastructure
- Projects secured through competitive bidding
- Complex rail infrastructure
- International project opportunities
Ahmad said RVNL has developed strong capabilities in executing complex railway infrastructure projects and currently has a presence across 16 states, along with an expanding international footprint.
RVNL Completes 158 Rail Infrastructure Projects
RVNL has commissioned and handed over 158 projects to Indian Railways over the years.
These projects cover several areas, including:
- New railway lines
- Gauge conversion
- Railway doubling
- Railway electrification
- Workshops
- Other critical railway infrastructure
According to the company, these projects have contributed to the creation of more than 17,000 km of rail infrastructure.
173.82 Km of Railway Infrastructure Commissioned in FY26
During FY2025-26, RVNL commissioned and handed over 173.82 km of railway infrastructure to Indian Railways.
This included the 150.28 km Phephna-Indara-Mau-Shahganj section, which is expected to contribute to safer, faster and more efficient train operations.
The company also commissioned 173 km of railway electrification during the financial year.
This work included:
- Four traction substations
- Eight switching posts
- 12 SCADA (Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition) systems
These facilities were developed as part of railway doubling and third-line projects.
RVNL Completes 23 Km of Tunnel Excavation
RVNL also continued its work on challenging railway projects involving difficult terrain and complex geological conditions.
During FY2025-26, the company completed 23 km of tunnel excavation.
Significant progress was reported on major hill railway projects across:
- Uttarakhand
- Himachal Pradesh
- Madhya Pradesh
- Maharashtra
The progress highlights RVNL’s experience in executing railway infrastructure projects in technically challenging locations.
19 Workshop Projects Commissioned
During the financial year, RVNL commissioned 19 workshop projects.
The company also made significant progress on the Kazipet Wagon Periodic Overhauling (POH) workshop and the Vadodara POH shop for electric locomotives.
Both facilities are scheduled for commissioning during the current financial year.
RVNL Establishes Five Rail Connectivity JVs
RVNL has also established five Joint Venture Special Purpose Vehicles (SPVs) for rail connectivity projects.
The move forms part of the company’s broader strategy to expand its project execution capabilities and participate in large-scale railway infrastructure development.
With its expansion into rolling stock manufacturing, telecom infrastructure and competitively bid projects, RVNL is continuing to diversify its business while strengthening its position in India’s railway infrastructure sector.
About RVNL
Rail Vikas Nigam Limited (RVNL) is a public sector enterprise under the Ministry of Railways involved in developing and executing major railway infrastructure projects. Its activities include new railway lines, doubling, electrification, gauge conversion, workshops and other transport infrastructure projects.
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