Made in India Goes Global: The Vision for Vande Bharat 4.0

India is gearing up for a bold leap in its rail‑transport ambitions with the development of Vande Bharat 4.0, a next‑generation semi‑high-speed train that is being built not just for domestic service but also for export markets. Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw announced the project at the International Railway Equipment Exhibition (IREE) 2025, stressing that the new trainsets will combine cutting-edge technology with world-class passenger comfort. The upgraded coaches are expected to feature enhanced seating, better restroom facilities, and finer workmanship—making them competitive with global rail offerings. This modernisation drive is guided by the broader “Make in India” vision, positioning India as a rising powerhouse in railway innovation.

Central to the export ambition is India’s plan to manufacture standard-gauge variants of Vande Bharat 4.0, aligning with the gauge used by most international railway systems. This flexibility is seen as a key enabler for cross-border sales, making the trains more attractive to overseas buyers. Meanwhile, the Integral Coach Factory (ICF) in Chennai and other Indian manufacturing hubs are being tasked to deliver these globally compliant trainsets — underscoring New Delhi’s long-term goal of becoming a major exporter of world-class railway technology.

Simultaneously, India is moving forward with a vast infrastructure push: dedicated high-speed passenger corridors designed for speeds up to 350 km/h, with an expected operational speed of around 320 km/h. These corridors, which could span as much as 7,000 km over the next two decades, will be built using fully indigenous signalling systems and control centers — reflecting India’s drive for self-reliance in high-speed rail infrastructure. Vaishnaw also sent a strong message to suppliers: only top-quality components will be acceptable, and substandard vendors risk being blacklisted, ensuring that Vande Bharat 4.0 lives up to its global aspirations.