CHENNAI: The Integral Coach Factory (ICF), a premier railway production establishment, is gearing up to mark its presence in the competitive Metro and fast train segment.
With several cities getting metro rail and plans being finalised for a high speed train network in the country, ICF officials hope their ability to turnout high quality coaches at a competitive cost will help the factory in its mission to garner a market share.
Addressing reporters on Saturday, Sudhanshu Mani, General Manager, ICF, said currently the factory has a marginal presence in the metro segment. The unit supplies rolling stock only to Kolkata Metro, while other cities, including Chennai, have opted for foreign manufacturers. He hoped the first of the modern trainsets intended for Kolkata, slated to be rolled out by April end, will showcase their capability. ICF plans to complete orders for 24 trainsets for Kolkata by March 2019. “We are also in talks with other cities where metro has been planned, besides being in touch with the Union Ministry of Urban Development,” he said.
Reporters were also briefed on the proposed ‘Train 18’, which is capable of reaching 160 kmph speed. Train 18 will be a complete indigenous effort, which ICF officials hope will rival modern rolling stock produced by private firms.
On ICF’s export targets set for 2017-18, he said it has been earmarked that ICF will supply 13 trains to Sri Lanka.