Indian Railways does not own Vande Bharat Express, Rajdhani, Shatabdi Trains, the real owner is…

Owner of Vande Bharat Express, Shatabdi Express and Rajdhani Express: With the rise of Indian Railways, there has been significant growth in the efficiency and effectiveness of its trains and related infrastructure. With its continuous growth, various special trains like Vande Bharat Express, Shatabdi Express and Rajdhani Express have developed and helped passengers reach their destinations with the maximum level of facilities. However, do you know the fact the fact that the Indian Railways doesn’t own these specials trains. Yes! Here are all the details you need to know about the fact.

As per media reports, not Indian Railways but Indian Railway Finance Corporation (IRFC) owns all the engines, goods train coaches and passenger coaches like Vande Bharat, Rajdhani, Shatabdi. These trains are leased to the Railways for 30 years, with funding provided by IRFC (Indian Railway Finance Corporation). According to lease rules, the ownership of these trains remains with IRFC for the entire duration.

Technically, the coaches are IRFC’s property. This is why premium trains like the Vande Bharat Express and Shatabdi are considered assets of IRFC. In fact, around 80% of Indian Railways’ passenger and freight trains are owned by IRFC, highlighting the company’s crucial role in the development of Indian Railways.

Indian Railways clocks 9 pc growth in coach manufacturing in FY25

In an update from the Indian Railways, the Indian Railways achieved a significant milestone in FY25 by manufacturing 7,134 coaches, registering a 9 per cent growth from 6,541 coaches in the previous fiscal (FY24), as per a report carried by news agency IANS.

In last fiscal, the special emphasis was on non AC coaches with production of 4,601 coaches, catering the needs of common man. According to the Ministry of Railways, annual average coach production has risen from 3,300 in 2004-14 to 5,481 in 2014-24, with total production of 54,809 coaches in last decade. This rise reflects India’s growing emphasis on modernising Railway infrastructure to meet increasing passenger demand.

(With inputs from agencies)

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