Stainless steel manufacturer Jindal Stainless has supplied high-strength stainless steel for the Vande Metro train expected to operate from July, 2024. The Railways had recently rolled out the Vande Metro train from Integral Coach Factory (ICF) in Chennai.

The '201LN' stainless steel supplied by Jindal Stainless, has the advantage of making coaches lighter and energy efficient. Vande Metro Trains aim to serve passengers traveling distance of up to 250 km. Vande Metro Trains are expected to connect more than 120 cities and likely to be launched in July.

Compared to the conventional 'ferritic stainless steel' grade, the thickness of the external panel on the trains have been reduced from three mm to two mm thereby resulting in lighter, more energy efficient and cost-effective trains. The stainless steel '201LN' is extremely corrosion resistant, offers superior durability and exhibits better crash-resistant properties, thus providing best-in class safety to passengers.

As the Indian Railway's migrated from the ferritic grade to 201LN stainless steel, the lightweight and energy-efficient car body will reduce the carbon footprint of the Indian Railways and contribute to achieving its net zero target. The Vande Metro trains will provide a world-class experience to passengers. 

Some of the preliminary routes planned are Bhubaneswar-Balasore, Agra-Mathura, Chennai-Tirupati, Delhi-Rewari, and Lucknow-Kanpur.