Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw on Thursday (March 14) announced that the Integral Coach Factory (ICF) in Chennai will now focus on manufacturing standard gauge Vande Bharat trains exclusively for export purposes.
The announcement was made by Vaishnaw at the inaugural ceremony of Qualcomm’s Chennai Design Center. While speaking in the occasion the minister highlighted the significance of starting the design process early to meet future export demands. Presently, ICF manufactures broad gauge Vande Bharat trains for the Indian Railway network.
“If we have to export Vande Bharat rakes five years from now we have to start now the process of designing as the process of designing, testing, getting national and international approval and manufacturing is a lengthy process. This will add to the export potential of ICF in Chennai, Tamil Nadu,” the minister said.
Railways to manufacture wheels in Tamil Nadu
Vaishnaw also informed that the railways is planning to manufacture wheels using the forging process in Tamil Nadu, with production expected to commence in 16-18 months at a facility in Gummidipoondi.
This facility aims to have a substantial production capacity of 2.5 lakhs per year, with a significant portion designated for export. “Of which, 80000 will be consumed in India and the remaining 1.7 lakhs will be exported,” the minister said.
Vaishnaw highlighted India’s transition from a semiconductor importer to an exporter, noting the importance of initiatives like the Chennai Design Center in achieving this milestone. The minister also launched the 6G University Research India Program during the event, underscoring Qualcomm’s commitment to innovation and its growing presence in India.
Additionally, Vaishnaw discussed India’s progress in semiconductor production, emphasising Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of establishing a complete semiconductor value chain in the country. He mentioned the availability of advanced design tools in 104 universities across India to foster talent development and innovation in the semiconductor industry.