New Delhi, September 5, 2024: Jindal Stainless, India’s leading stainless steel manufacturer, has supplied high-strength tempered 301LN grade austenitic stainless steel for the Vande Bharat sleeper coaches, marking a significant contribution to the Indian Railways’ prestigious project. The prototype of the Vande Bharat sleeper train was recently unveiled by Minister of Railways, Shri Ashwini Vaishnaw, in Bengaluru. The coaches, built by Integral Coach Factory (ICF) and Bharat Earth Movers Limited (BEML), are designed for long-distance overnight journeys, covering distances of 800 to 1,200 km.
The tempered 301LN stainless steel offers several advantages, such as enhanced performance, durability, and safety. It is known for its superior corrosion resistance, leading to reduced life-cycle costs and long-term reliability. Additionally, the material’s high crash and fire resistance enhances passenger safety, meeting stringent safety standards in railway transport.
Commenting on this development, Mr. Abhyuday Jindal, Managing Director of Jindal Stainless, said, “The Vande Bharat sleeper train represents a new era of innovation in Indian Railways, and we are proud to contribute to this transformative project. The use of tempered 301LN stainless steel will reduce the weight of each coach by approximately 2 tonnes, improving energy efficiency and lowering the carbon footprint. This project aligns with the sustainability goals of modern rail transport while ensuring enhanced safety and aesthetic appeal.”
The Vande Bharat sleeper coaches are capable of reaching speeds of up to 160 km/h, offering unmatched mobility, comfort, and modern amenities for long-distance travel. The first batch of coaches is set to be dispatched from BEML’s Bengaluru plant on September 20, 2024, with an official launch anticipated by December 2024.
Jindal Stainless is a key player in manufacturing and supplying special-finish stainless steel, including 2J, No. 4, and DLT-DF finishes, for metro and railway coach production. The company has supplied stainless steel for several high-profile Indian railway projects, including Vande Metro, Kolkata’s underwater metro, the first trainset of India’s Regional Rapid Transit System (RRTS), and the Mumbai metro. Since 1998, Jindal Stainless has been a trusted supplier of stainless steel for wagons, coaches, and railway infrastructure.
About Jindal Stainless
Jindal Stainless is one of the world’s leading manufacturers of stainless steel products, known for its cutting-edge technology and innovation. The company supplies materials for various industries, including infrastructure, automotive, and transportation sectors, both in India and globally.
Also Read | India’s First Vande Bharat Sleeper Train Unveiled at BEML Bengaluru