The Integral Coach Factory (ICF) in Chennai recently marked its 66th anniversary, a remarkable milestone during which it has produced over 68,000 coaches, setting a global record unmatched by any other rail coach manufacturer. ICF has become a frontrunner in the production of self-propelled coaches, encompassing a diverse range from EMU and MEMU to SPART, OHE Tower car, SPIC, DEMU, and the innovative Vande Bharat. In an exclusive interview with The Interview World, Satish Kumar, SSE, ICF unveiled the extraordinary success story of ICF and its pioneering Vande Bharat project.
Q: How has Vande Bharat transformed train travel in India?
A: Vande Bharat trains have redefined train travel in India, seamlessly integrating speed, efficiency, comfort, sustainability, and cutting-edge technology. Their remarkable success has not only set new standards but has also become the preferred choice for travelers, inspiring future innovations and advancements within the Indian Railways.
Q: What does ICF have planned for the future?
A: Following the overwhelming response to the Vande Bharat initiative, ICF is now focused on developing Vande Bharat sleeper coaches and Vande Bharat metro trains, responding to the heightened expectations for throughput, speed, and convenience. This reflects Indian Railways’ ambitious expansion journey.
Q: How indigenous is Vande Bharat?
A: The 16-coach semi-high-speed trainset of Vande Bharat Express, with an impressive 80% indigenous content, is a testament to the “Make in India” project. Designed for a maximum operating speed of 160 kmph, the Vande Bharat Express 2.0, with enhanced features, showcases India’s commitment to self-reliance in rail manufacturing.
Q: Is ICF exporting coaches to other countries?
A: ICF has a storied history of exporting railway coaches to numerous countries. It stands as a prominent coach manufacturing unit in India, supplying passenger and freight coaches to various nations across Asia, Africa, and beyond. Recently, ICF sent two rakes of 1600 HP DEMU coaches to Nepal Railways, marking a historic cross-border connectivity achievement. ICF has exported over 750 coaches, shells, and components to countries including Thailand, Burma, Taiwan, Zambia, Philippines, Tanzania, Uganda, Vietnam, Nigeria, Bangladesh, Mozambique, Malaysia, Angola, Sri Lanka, and most recently, AC DEMU coaches to Sri Lanka, contributing to global railway technology and infrastructure development.
