Latur: Indo-Russian joint venture Kinet Railway Solutions is advancing work on two prototype Vande Bharat Sleeper trainsets at its 351-acre manufacturing facility in Latur. The project, one of the largest railway manufacturing initiatives involving an Indo-Russian partnership, is expected to create a new industrial ecosystem in Marathwada while significantly boosting India’s indigenous rolling-stock manufacturing capabilities.Under a $6.5-billion contract awarded in March 2023, Kinet is responsible for designing and manufacturing 120 Vande Bharat Sleeper trainsets comprising 1,920 coaches and maintaining them for 35 years. The project also includes an engineering centre in Hyderabad and depot facilities in Delhi, Jodhpur and Bengaluru.The two prototype trainsets being developed at Latur will undergo testing and customer acceptance before serial production begins at a later stage. The trains are being manufactured by Indian engineers and workers, with an increasing share of components and materials being sourced locally.The project is also expected to strengthen the domestic railway supply chain, with Kinet progressively expanding its Indian supplier base. Designed for long-distance travel, the Vande Bharat Sleeper is capable of speeds of up to 160 kmph and features distributed traction, regenerative braking and onboard diagnostics.Passenger-focused features include adapted berths and toilets for persons with reduced mobility, sensor-operated doors, enhanced noise insulation and sealed gangways designed to keep dust and dirt out of the coaches.The train’s design has also received international recognition, including a Red Dot Award 2026 for its exterior design, while its interior has received recognition from A’ Design and India’s Best Design Award.A major focus of the project is technology and knowledge transfer. More than 30 Russian specialists are working alongside Indian teams, while over 40 Latur employees have already undergone training at production facilities and corporate universities in Russia. They are expected to act as internal mentors as production capabilities are further developed.The Latur facility is implementing modern operating systems and 3P, which is process and product design methodology. Employees are receiving trainings in various special processes including welding, painting, crimping, bonding, torquing, equipment installation and industrial safety. An in-house training school with certification is being developed, while engineering issues are being addressed collaboratively on the production floor.The project is expected to have a wider economic impact on Marathwada, a region traditionally dependent on agriculture and sugar production. Kinet said around 60% of its local recruitment is being carried out from Latur and surrounding areas, creating opportunities for ITI graduates, college graduates and engineers.The company has also introduced a Graduate Engineer Trainee programme, while the growing manufacturing ecosystem is expected to create opportunities for local businesses and suppliers.The Latur facility, part of the Marathwada Rail Coach Factory (MRCF) project, includes six workshops and an internal railway track network measuring 8.6 km.The project is being positioned as a significant step towards strengthening advanced manufacturing in the region and supporting the Centre’s Make in India initiative and the broader Viksit Bharat @2047 vision.Kinet Railway Solutions is an Indian company, which in partnership with Rail Vikas Nigam Ltd and Indian Railways is developing manufacturing, engineering and maintenance capabilities for the Vande Bharat Sleeper project.
