Titagarh Rail Systems Limited (TRSL) and Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited (BHEL) have signed an agreement for the long-term maintenance of Vande Bharat sleeper trainsets, strengthening the partnership between the two companies under their major Indian Railways programme. The maintenance agreement forms part of the ₹24,000 crore contract awarded by Indian Railways to the TRSL-BHEL consortium for the manufacture and supply of 80 Vande Bharat sleeper trainsets, together with comprehensive maintenance for a period of 35 years. As part of the arrangement, TRSL and BHEL executed a Joint Venture Agreement (JVA) on September 15, 2026, to establish a Joint Venture Company with equal 50:50 shareholding.
The JV Company will undertake maintenance of the 80 Vande Bharat trainsets under the Indian Railways project for the “Manufacturing cum Maintenance of 80 Vande Bharat Trainsets including Upgradation of Government Manufacturing Units & Trainset Depots and Comprehensive Maintenance for 35 years.” The agreement underlines the long-term nature of the TRSL-BHEL partnership and supports Indian Railways’ focus on lifecycle-based maintenance for advanced passenger rail systems. By combining indigenous train manufacturing with long-term maintenance capabilities, the consortium will support the operational readiness and reliability of the Vande Bharat sleeper fleet throughout its service life.
Commenting on the occasion, Umesh Chowdhary, Vice Chairman & Managing Director, Titagarh Rail Systems Limited, said: “The signing of this long-term maintenance agreement is an important milestone in Titagarh’s journey and further strengthens our association with the Vande Bharat programme. At Titagarh, our commitment goes beyond designing and manufacturing modern rolling stock we believe in supporting our customers and our products throughout their operational lifecycle. This 35-year maintenance commitment reflects the trust placed in our people, capabilities and processes, and also demonstrates our readiness to provide long-term lifecycle support across our rolling stock programmes. Together with BHEL, we remain committed to contributing to India’s vision of modern, efficient and self-reliant passenger rail transportation through Vande Bharat, designed and made in India, for a Viksit Bharat.”
The Vande Bharat sleeper project is aimed at enhancing long-distance rail travel through modern train design, improved passenger comfort and advanced technology. The long-term maintenance programme is intended to provide the infrastructure and capabilities required to support the next generation of sleeper trainsets over their operational lifecycle.
The partnership also reflects the growing role of Indian companies in developing and supporting advanced rail transportation systems. The consortium’s manufacturing and maintenance responsibilities bring together capabilities spanning rolling stock production, engineering, lifecycle support and fleet maintenance.
Titagarh Rail Systems is a comprehensive mobility solutions provider with a strong presence in India. Its state-of-the-art manufacturing facilities support a broad range of passenger and freight rolling stock. The company manufactures semi-high-speed trains, urban metros, passenger coaches, propulsion systems and specialised freight wagons.
With a focus on innovation and engineering capabilities, Titagarh develops transportation solutions for passenger and freight mobility while supporting the Make in India initiative and contributing to the development of India’s rail infrastructure. The company’s participation in the Vande Bharat sleeper programme further expands its role in the country’s next generation of passenger rail transportation.
