Why Indian Railways is unlikely to go for aluminium-bodied Vande Bharat trains

No Vande Bharat aluminium train sets? The Indian Railways is reconsidering its plan to introduce aluminium-bodied Vande Bharat trains with sleeper coaches due to the high costs involved and the lack of domestic expertise in manufacturing such trains.
Last year, Indian Railways had to cancel a Rs 30,000 crore tender for procuring 100 Vande Bharat trains with aluminium coaches after the lowest bidder, Alstom India, quoted a price of Rs 150.9 crore per trainset.
The choice of aluminium-bodied trainsets by the railways was based on their lower weight and higher energy efficiency compared to standard stainless steel. To date, the national transporter has awarded contracts to procure 102 Vande Bharat trains with chair cars and an additional 200 with sleeper facilities.
Sources told TOI that the manufacturing of aluminium-bodied trains necessitates the import of foreign technology, which, along with the high costs, has prompted Indian Railways to explore alternative options.
The focus has shifted towards developing a 24-coach sleeper version of these modern trains that can operate at higher speeds, while prioritising cost reduction and the use of indigenous technologies.
The Indian Railways’ tender panel had recommended a maximum price of Rs 140 crore, but despite Alstom India’s willingness to close the deal at approximately Rs 145 crore per trainset, no agreement could be reached, leading to the tender’s cancellation.
Prior to this, the railways had bid out a contract to manufacture 200 Vande Bharat sleeper trainsets at Rs 120 crore per rake.
An Alstom spokesperson maintained that the company’s offer for 100 aluminium trains was highly competitive and the lowest when compared to similar trains produced globally.