Jindal Stainless Supplies Steel for Vande Bharat Sleeper Coaches

Jindal Stainless Ltd announced that it has provided stainless steel for the Vande Bharat sleeper coaches, whose prototype was recently unveiled by Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw in Bengaluru. The company supplied high-strength tempered 301LN grade austenitic stainless steel for this notable government project. These coaches, manufactured by Integral Coach Factory (ICF) and Bharat Earth Movers Limited (BEML), are designed for overnight journeys of 800 to 1,200 km.

The tempered 301LN austenitic stainless steel not only ensures enhanced performance and durability but also offers lower life-cycle costs due to its corrosion resistance. This material improves passenger safety with superior crash and fire resistance, upholding rigorous safety standards in railway transport.

With a top speed of 160 km/h, these coaches promise a blend of high mobility, comfort, and modern amenities. The first batch is set to be dispatched from BEML’s Bengaluru plant on September 20, 2024, with an official launch expected by December 2024.

Jindal Stainless is a prominent global supplier of special-finish stainless steel grades like 2J, No. 4, and DLT-DF, essential for metro and railway coach production. The company has contributed stainless steel to several prestigious Indian railway projects, including the Vande Metro, Kolkata’s underwater metro, India’s first Regional Rapid Transit System (RRTS), and the Mumbai Metro. Jindal Stainless has been serving Indian Railways since 1998, providing materials for wagons, coaches, and infrastructure.

Commenting on this development, the Managing Director of Jindal Stainless, Mr Abhyuday Jindal, said, “The Vande Bharat sleeper train is set to mark a new era of innovation in Indian Railways, and we are proud to play a pivotal role in this transformative project that will revolutionise long-distance travel in India. The use of tempered 301LN austenitic stainless steel will lead to a reduction in the weight of each coach by approximately 2 tonnes. This weight reduction will lead to improved energy efficiency and a lower carbon footprint, aligning with the

sustainability goals of modern rail transport. The enhanced safety and aesthetic appeal of this new train symbolises innovation and engineering excellence of the Indian Railways.”

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