The year 2025 has been a landmark period for the Make in India initiative in the railway sector. Domestic manufacturing has shifted from meeting internal demand to becoming a global powerhouse in rolling stock and technology.

1. The Vande Bharat Revolution: 2025 Milestones

The Vande Bharat Express has evolved from a single trainset into a diverse fleet of indigenous high-speed solutions. As of December 2025:

  • Fleet Expansion: Over 164 Vande Bharat services are now operational across India, with 15 new services launched this year alone.
  • Sleeper Version Launch: The first Vande Bharat Sleeper trainset, designed for overnight long-distance travel, was successfully unveiled. It features advanced amenities like hot water showers and modular pantries.
  • Global Interest: Nations in South America (Argentina, Chile), the Middle East, and ASEAN have expressed formal interest in importing the Vande Bharat platform, recognizing it as a cost-effective alternative to European and Japanese high-speed rail.

2. "Make for the World": Locomotive & Component Exports

Indian manufacturing units have transitioned into major export hubs, proving that Indian engineering meets international benchmarks.

  • Banaras Locomotive Works (BLW): BLW recently completed the dispatch of a fleet of 3300 HP Cape Gauge diesel-electric locomotives to Mozambique.
  • The Guinea Deal: In a historic ₹3,000 crore deal, India began exporting high-horsepower Evolution Series locomotives (ES43ACmi) manufactured at the Marhowrah plant in Bihar to Guinea for major mining projects.
  • Global Component Supply: India is now a leading exporter of critical components. India-made bogies are running in the UK and Australia, while propulsion systems are being supplied to developed markets including Germany, France, and Italy.

3. Indigenous Tech: KAVACH and Green Rail

The "Make in India" spirit extends beyond hardware into safety and sustainability:

  • KAVACH 4.0: The indigenous Automatic Train Protection system was upgraded to version 4.0 in 2025, covering over 738 route kilometers to ensure zero-collision safety.
  • Hydrogen-Powered Trains: India’s first indigenously developed Hydrogen-powered train began trial runs in late 2025, marking a significant step toward the "Net Zero Carbon Emitter" goal by 2030.
  • 100% Electrification: The broad-gauge network has reached 99.2% electrification, making India’s rail system one of the greenest large-scale networks globally.