Ahmedabad gets first 'Make in India' metro train, CM Bhupendra Patel flags off indigenous coaches from Kolkata

Gandhinagar (Gujarat) [India], December 20 (ANI): Ahmedabad received its first indigenously built 'Make in India' metro train on Saturday in the presence of Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel.
According to an official release, CM Patel launched the metro train coaches during his visit to the state-of-the-art Titagarh Rail Systems manufacturing plant near Kolkata on Saturday. Calling it a moment of pride for Gujarat, CM Patel said the development reflects Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision of Make in India and Aatmanirbhar Bharat, aimed at strengthening domestic manufacturing and reducing dependence on imports.
The metro coaches have been manufactured at Titagarh Rail Systems Limited's advanced facility, equipped with modern technology to produce metro and passenger coaches that meet global standards. CM lauded the company's diverse workforce, drawn from multiple states, and said the project exemplifies the spirit of "Ek Bharat, Shreshtha Bharat".
Gujarat Metro Rail Corporation Limited (GMRCL) has placed an order for 10 metro trains with Titagarh Rail Systems to cater to the rising passenger demand in Ahmedabad. The additional trains are required following the completion of 21 km of Phase-2 work, with the remaining sections of the corridor set to become operational soon.
Currently, the Ahmedabad Metro serves over 1.6 lakh passengers daily and is witnessing an annual growth of 30-40 per cent. Patel said metro services will be further expanded in the coming years, with Surat also slated to begin metro operations. The new trains, constructed using high-quality stainless steel, feature special colours and designs inspired by Ahmedabad's culture and heritage.
According to officials, the first train will reach Ahmedabad within a few days after final testing and statutory certification, following which it will be inducted into passenger service. The remaining nine trains will be delivered in a phased manner over the next five to six months.
Engineers at the plant informed the Chief Minister that the metro train is equipped with best-in-class fire safety and advanced security systems and is capable of operating as a fully automated, driverless train under Grade of Automation 4 (GOA4).
Senior officials, including Principal Advisor to the Chief Minister Hasmukh Adhia, GMRCL Managing Director S.S. Rathore, and Titagarh Rail Systems Managing Director Umesh Chowdhary, were present at the event.
Titagarh Rail Systems is also involved in manufacturing Vande Bharat sleeper trains and metro coaches for several Indian cities, besides developing capabilities for future high-speed rail projects. (ANI)