New Delhi, India (April 15, 2026): The Chamber of Railway Industries (Rail Chamber) is proud to announce the appointment of Dr. Sudhanshu Mani, former General Manager of Integral Coach Factory (ICF), Chennai, and the visionary leader behind India’s first indigenous semi high-speed train, Train 18 (Vande Bharat Express), as an Independent Advisor to its Advisory Board.

Dr. Mani is a distinguished railway professional who retired in the apex grade of Secretary to the Government of India from the Indian Railways Service of Mechanical Engineering after an illustrious career spanning over 38 years. During his tenure, he held several key leadership roles, including serving as General Manager, ICF Chennai, and as Railway Advisor at the Embassy of India in Berlin, where he engaged with advanced global railway systems.

He is widely recognised for conceptualising and successfully leading the development of Train 18 (Vande Bharat Express), a landmark achievement in India’s journey towards indigenous high-speed rail technology. His experience spans railway manufacturing, rolling stock, project management, and global railway collaborations.

Dr. Mani is a Graduate Engineer in Mechanical and Electrical disciplines and a Fellow of the Institution of Mechanical Engineers (IMechE), London. He has also been conferred honorary Doctor of Science and Doctor of Philosophy degrees in recognition of his contributions to engineering and innovation.

Beyond his professional achievements, Dr. Mani is an accomplished author, thought leader, and public speaker. He has authored several books, including the widely acclaimed “My Train 18 Story”, and regularly contributes opinion pieces on engineering, infrastructure, and national development in leading publications. He is also actively engaged in advisory roles across the corporate sector and contributes to railway and metro journals as an editorial and advisory board member.

Commenting on the appointment, Dr. Vinod Shah, Director General, Chamber of Railway Industries, said:
"We are honoured to welcome Dr. Sudhanshu Mani to our Advisory Board. His pioneering leadership in delivering the Vande Bharat train and his deep understanding of railway systems and innovation will be invaluable to the Chamber. His insights will greatly contribute to advancing policy dialogue, indigenous manufacturing, and technological excellence in the sector."

The Chamber of Railway Industries is a dedicated platform committed to strengthening India’s railway and urban transit ecosystem through collaboration, policy advocacy, and knowledge-driven initiatives. The inclusion of eminent leaders like Dr. Mani further reinforces the Chamber’s commitment to driving innovation and global competitiveness in the rail sector.

The Chamber of Railway Industries (Rail Chamber) is an industry-led body focused on promoting growth, innovation, and collaboration within the railway and urban transit sectors in India. It works closely with stakeholders across government, industry, and international markets to support policy development, technology exchange, and capacity building.