Jindal Stainless supplies high-strengthstainless steel to India’s first Vande Metro train
New Delhi : Boosting inter-city travel services in India, the Indian Railways recently unveiled its first Vande Metro train from the Integral Coach Factory (ICF) in Chennai. Jindal Stainless, India’s largest stainless steel manufacturer, has supplied the tempered 201LN grade of high-strength stainless steel for this prestigious project. TheVande Metro train is a shorter-distance version of the Vande Bharat Express. Compared with the conventional ferritic stainless steel grade, the thickness of the external panels of trainsets has been reduced from 3 mm to 2 mm, resulting in lighter, more energy-efficient, and therefore, more cost-effective trains. The stainless steel 201LN grade is also extremely corrosion resistant, has higher strength and superior durability, and exhibits better crash-resistant properties, thereby providing the best-in-class safety to passengers.
Commenting on this development, Managing Director, Jindal Stainless, Mr Abhyuday Jindal, said, “We are glad to be a part of the modernisation of India’s railway infrastructure and rolling stock. It’s a privilege to play an instrumental role in Indian Railways’ decision to migrate from the ferritic grade to 201LN stainless steel for the first time ever. The light-weight and energy-efficient car body will reducethe carbon footprint of the Indian Railwaysand act as a catalyst to achieve its Net Zero target. I am confident that Vande Metro trains will provide a world-class experience to passengers and we are happy to partner with IR on this.”
The Vande Metro aims to cater to urban commuters travelling distances up to 250 km. It is expected to connect more than 120 cities nationwide and will be launched in July this year. The preliminary routes include Chennai-Tirupati, Bhubaneswar-Balasore, Agra-Mathura, Delhi-Rewari, and Lucknow-Kanpur.
About Jindal Stainless
India’s leading stainless steel manufacturer, Jindal Stainless, has an annual turnover of INR 35,700 crore (USD 4.30 billion) in FY23 and is ramping up its facilities to reach 4.2 million tonnes of annual melt capacity. It has seven stainless steel manufacturing and processing facilities in India and abroad, including in Spain and Indonesia, and a worldwide network in 15 countries. In India, there are ten sales offices and six service centres. The company’s product range includes stainless steel slabs, blooms, coils, plates, sheets, precision strips, wire rods, rebars, blade steel, and coin blanks.
Integrated operations have given Jindal Stainless the edge in cost competitiveness and operational efficiency, making it one of the world’s top stainless steel players. Founded in 1970, Jindal Stainless continues to be inspired by a vision for innovation and enriching lives and is committed to social responsibility. The company boasts an excellent workforce, value-driven business operations, customer centricity and the best safety practices in the industry.
Jindal Stainless remains committed to a greener, sustainable future, fuelled by environmental responsibility. The company manufactures stainless steel using scrap in an electric arc furnace, the least greenhouse gas emission route since it enables 100% recyclability with no reduction in quality, thereby achieving a circular economy. The company aims to reduce carbon emission intensity by 50% well before FY35 and achieve Net Zero by 2050.
