Kapurthala Factory Rolls Out First Vande Bharat Train Amid Centre's High-Speed Rail Push

In a significant boost to India’s rapidly expanding semi-high-speed rail network, Indian Railways has rolled out its first 16-coach Vande Bharat chair car train from the Rail Coach Factory (RCF) in Kapurthala, Punjab. The development marks a major shift in production geography, with North India entering a space that was until now dominated by southern manufacturing units.

The train set, rolled out on March 31, 2026, makes the Kapurthala-based factory the second major facility after the Integral Coach Factory (ICF) in Chennai to produce Vande Bharat trains. The move is expected to substantially enhance manufacturing capacity and accelerate the rollout of these premium trains across the country.

Before being inducted into passenger service, the

newly built train will undergo rigorous oscillation trials to assess ride quality, safety parameters, speed capability, and overall dynamic performance. Railway officials said the rake is equipped with an advanced propulsion system supplied by Alstom, aligning with global standards.

The milestone comes at a time when Vande Bharat trains are witnessing near-full occupancy on most routes, prompting Indian Railways to expand services to smaller cities. With demand surging, authorities are now focusing on scaling up production beyond traditional hubs. In addition to Kapurthala, preparations are underway to begin manufacturing at the Bareilly Coach Factory, signalling a broader decentralisation of production.

Launched in 2018 under the ‘Make in India’ initiative, Vande Bharat is India’s first fully indigenous semi-high-speed train, designed to run at speeds of up to 160 kmph. Known for its modern features, the train offers reclining seats, panoramic windows, automatic doors, fully air-conditioned coaches, and bio-vacuum toilets, providing a premium travel experience.

From an initial rollout on flagship routes such as Delhi-Varanasi and Delhi-Katra, the Vande Bharat network has expanded rapidly to cover most major states. So far, 97 chair car variants have been manufactured, all previously built at ICF Chennai.

Railway officials believe the inclusion of Kapurthala in the production ecosystem will not only fast-track the availability of these trains but also strengthen India’s indigenous manufacturing capabilities. With rising passenger preference and reduced travel times, Vande Bharat is increasingly being positioned as a modern alternative to Shatabdi services, redefining intercity rail travel in the country.