India is working on modernizing its old railway system. In this context, it has brought projects like Vande Bharat, Vande Bharat Sleeper, Namo Bharat, Bullet Train. Meanwhile, Russia has proposed to provide its high-speed train technology to India. It seems that this proposal was submitted at the Innoprom.India program. The Russian company Transmash Holding wants to provide its “Evolga High Speed Train” to India.
360 km per hour. Speed..
The Evolga High Speed Train proposed by Russia can travel at a speed of 360 km per hour. This 8-coach train can carry 642 passengers. Its life span is 30 years. Russia has proposed that this train can be built using about 80 percent local equipment. If technology transfer and local manufacturing are provided, this will fulfill the goals of “Make in India” and “Self-reliant India”.
Entry into India in Vande Bharat..
Transmash Holding is already a partner in the Indian railway sector. It has formed a joint venture with India to manufacture Vande Bharat sleeper trains. As part of this project, an agreement has been signed to manufacture 120 Vande Bharat sleeper trains. Based on this experience, Russia is now offering high-speed trains to India.
Infrastructure is important..
In order for a high-speed train to run, everything needs to be taken care of, including the railway track, signaling system, electrification, safety standards, and maintenance. The track have to be changed to suit high-speed trains. With this, before India accepts the Russian proposal, it will have to consider aspects such as the speed of the train, the total project cost, safety, maintenance, local manufacturing, and technology transfer.
If the Ivolga plan comes to fruition, the India-Russia cooperation will now extend to railways. Local production of trains instead of direct import will bring technological benefits to Indian industries. There is a possibility of jobs and employment here.
