India’s flagship semi-high-speed train, Vande Bharat, is set to enter its next phase of evolution. Railway minister Ashwini Vaishnaw announced on October 15 that the Vande Bharat 4.0 series will be designed and developed not just for domestic routes, but also for export markets, signalling India’s growing ambition to become a global player in rail technology
Speaking at an event in New Delhi, Vaishnaw said the upcoming trains would combine advanced engineering, better comfort, and smart technology to match international standards. “Indian Railways is scaling unprecedented heights, manufacturing 7,000 coaches and 1,681 locomotives annually — more than the combined output of several continents,” he said.
With a ₹2.56 trillion annual capital expenditure, a 325 km bullet train corridor already completed, and ongoing rail exports to Africa and Europe, Vaishnaw said India is “fast emerging as a global railway powerhouse.”
The move to design Vande Bharat 4.0 for export aligns with India’s wider goal of transforming its manufacturing base into one that serves both domestic and international demand. The new trains are expected to feature lighter materials, higher energy efficiency, and modern passenger amenities suited for long-distance travel in global markets.
According to ministry officials, the export-ready model will mark India’s entry into the international rail supply chain, allowing the country to compete with established players like Japan, Germany, and France.
Apart from the Vande Bharat project, Vaishnaw said the Centre is working on developing high-speed passenger corridors across key routes, with trains capable of running at 350 kmph. The corridors are part of India’s long-term plan to enable faster and more efficient intercity connectivity between major metros.
“Every kilometre of high-speed track we lay strengthens our capability and pushes the Make in India initiative deeper into advanced mobility,” Vaishnaw said.
The minister also confirmed that Vande Bharat Sleeper trains are ready for rollout. One train is currently stationed at the Shakur Basti Coaching Depot in Delhi.
“Two trains will be launched together once the second rake is ready for regular service,” Vaishnaw said, adding that the likely launch route could be New Delhi–Patna, according to multiple reports. The launch is expected to coincide with the election season in Bihar.
The new sleeper variant will expand the Vande Bharat series beyond day-time services, allowing longer-distance overnight travel with enhanced passenger comfort.
With the Vande Bharat 4.0 project and the development of high-speed corridors, India’s rail sector is undergoing its most rapid modernisation in decades. From high-speed trains to export-ready models, the shift reflects a broader transformation — one that combines engineering excellence with global ambition.
