Guard Your Legacy, ICF! Why Surrender Your Crown?
I have long maintained that, in the absence of any
significant technological advancement in the Vande Bharat train technology since
the prototype in 2018—aside from some cosmetic enhancements here and there—it
is high time for ICF to shift gears and focus on designing and developing an
indigenous 240-250 kmph train for Standard Gauge.
My blog connects:
http://anindecisiveindian.blogspot.com/2024/03/export-of-vande-bharat-trains-south.html
This would not exactly send the Japanese scrambling to slash their reportedly sky-high prices they have offered for the High-Speed Railway (HSR) trains, given that the Mumbai-Ahmedabad HSR corridor is being built for speeds of 320 kmph. Nevertheless, it would channel India’s indigenous capabilities in the right direction, including a great opening in the field of exporting trains to middle-income countries. So, the Railway Board’s decision asking ICF to take on this challenge was a breath of fresh air. With the right leadership and unwavering commitment, ICF could pull it off, certainly not in the unrealistic target of 24-25 but in around three years.
My gripe, however, lies in the fact that ICF has all but abdicated its unique position and responsibility as the only entity in India capable of designing and manufacturing higher-speed mainline trains. First, they inexplicably handed over the project of ten Vande Bharat Sleeper trains to BEML, instead of doing it in-house. And at a price tag heftier than that offered to the consortiums of TMH+RVNL and Titagarh+BHEL in a tender for 200 Vande Bharat Sleeper trains—Rs 135 crore vs. Rs 120 crore, respectively.
And now the unkindest cut of all. To add insult to injury, in one fell swoop, they have handed over the development of the 250 kmph train to BEML
through a single tender bid. If this is not an act of self-sabotage, a slow but
sure suicide of their own future, prestige, and pride, then what is?
It took tremendous resolve and an unyielding effort by a passionate team at ICF during those heady 18 months between 2017 and 2018 to craft Train 18, a beacon of national pride. But how quickly, and with such meekness, have they squandered that hard-earned glory? What was once a bold leap forward now seems like a distant memory, fading into the background.
Many may contend that BEML’s manufacturing quality outshines ICF’s (and troll me as is their habit—though they are also the same ones who go gaga over every Vande Bharat launch in their blind devotion to praising the government). But that is a weak self-defeating argument, one that a true creator like ICF should swiftly dismantle. The logical roadmap should be to raise the bar, improve quality, and fiercely guard what is rightfully yours—not to simply surrender it at the first sign of competition. Why yield the crown jewel of Indian train innovation so easily, when it is clear that the solution lies in fortifying your own capabilities? The essence of progress can never be in retreat but in pushing the boundaries further.
What more can I write? I have laid it out in detail recently in Hindu BusinessLine:
https://www.thehindubusinessline.com/opinion/vande-bharat-questions/article68652519.ece
I do have the satisfaction that Lalit Chandra Trivedi and Shubhranshu, both Principle Chief Mechanical Engineer in succession at ICF during the execution of Train 18/Vande Bharat, also have echoed their views on the subject:
Indian Railways: purpose behind manufacturing two SG trains with
speed potential of 250 kmph
Quo
Vadis, ICF? And why?
https://mechtechtalk.blogspot.com/2024/09/quo-vadis-icf-and-why.html?m=1
As the
leader of the Train 18 team, it is deeply painful to witness this, though I do
know that these words will, once again, fall on deaf ears. As the Lear in the
bard’s King Lear lamented, "…I
am bound upon a wheel of fire, that mine own tears do scald like molten lead…"—
for it stings to witness such potential squandered, with deaf ears all around
and no tears shed as a once-great institution willingly withers away.
…
I believe in our country two practices are accepted as standard practices, however repugnant it is for country which gained Independence 75 years ago and with a legacy of one of oldest civilizations still in tact.
ReplyDeletePractice ONE: I Vote = 1 Rupee is greater than 1 Vote = 1 Heart
Practice TWO: you are either a member of NATO tribe or you do not have a say in our policy matters of our country which impacts each and every citizen of this country. NATO stands for No Action Talk Only
NATO 😀
DeleteI totally agree with you in that the average Railwaymen are their worst enemy. Most Railwaymen are staunch members of the NATO ( as explained above ). Further, the rough treatment received by those who were responsible for building the Train18 ( full package starting from concept, design, tendering, manufacturing and successfully turning the 2 prototype train sets.) in record time
ReplyDelete(Contd.) the successors from ICF would not like to put their neck out knowing that danger of “ Off with your head “. Just to calm your taut nerves as also mine, every organisation follows a sine-wave and ICF is on the downward trend.
ReplyDeleteI understand, sir. Thanks for your candid comments
DeleteThe recent order for BEML to manufacture Vande Bharat trains with speeds of 250 km/h raises a pertinent question—why is the Integral Coach Factory (ICF), which played a pivotal role in the inception of the Vande Bharat trains under the guidance of Sudhanshumani Sir, not leading this major modification?
ReplyDeleteICF has historically been the backbone of Indian Railways, both in terms of manufacturing capability and innovation. The fact that they are not spearheading this project could indicate either inefficiencies in the current processes or gaps in leadership. Given ICF’s legacy, it is surprising that they are not taking on such a critical project, one that aligns with their expertise and experience.
Sudhanshumani Sir's leadership was instrumental in making the Vande Bharat project a reality. His strategic vision and technical know-how were key to its success. Indian Railways should seriously consider appointing him to an advisory board with independent authority, allowing him to guide future projects and bring back the golden era of innovation at ICF.
By empowering experienced leaders like him, Indian Railways could further enhance its competitive edge and ensure that institutions like ICF remain at the forefront of technological advancements.
What can I say? Thanks a lot, anyway
DeleteBoth as an ex railwayman and one who tends to look to decisions that are the best for the organization and the country, i feel sad. I cant even figure out what justification Railways could have had, on paper, to justify this move. Clearly something beyond me to figure out.
ReplyDeleteYes sir, something unspeakable, indeed. Sad, all the same
DeleteYes. To start LHB coach manufacturing was given to RCF and not to ICF. BEML was manufacturing SS coaches with technical inputs from foreign collaboration.
ReplyDeleteICF was not having
technology to manafacture SS body coaches. ICF officers tried their best to get SS manufacturing process.
Luckily LHB design was given to ICF.Now ICF manufacturing more LHB coaches than RCF.
ICF should be given opportunity to manufacture high speed coaches.
given
en opportunity to manu
LHB coaches
coaches.
Lu
coaches.
Sudhanshu Mani Ji, much like Sonam Wangchuk, offers visionary insights that could significantly shape India's development. It is disheartening to see that his expert advice is not being heeded by the think tanks that drive innovation and progress. History has witnessed similar oversight, where brilliant minds such as Rajeev Motwani, the IIT graduate and Stanford professor who mentored the creation of Google, have faded into obscurity. Likewise, the groundbreaking contributions of Nikola Tesla and Acharya Jagadish Chandra Bose have often been overlooked, despite their pivotal roles in advancing technology and science. It's high time we learn from these missed opportunities and prioritize the knowledge and expertise of our contemporary visionaries.
ReplyDeleteThe dream speed of 250 km /hr will only be achieved when other parameters are also taken care of like fencing,condition and proper checking of rails, upgradation of signal system ,continous training of railway staff etc.. High speed trains devoid of safety are of no value who so ever makes it.
ReplyDeleteThe speed of Train 18 is more than sufficient.
With due respect I want to say that you have raised the bar for other railway men .Let's see how do they meet the challenges in absence of time constraints.
ICF, under your leadership and top notch hand-picked team delivered the almost unthinkable; changed the face of travel; changed the way Indian Railways look, and most of all, made every Railway man proud, (barring a few), but it trickled down to every, almost every Indian, and Most of all Sir, you set such a damn High bar that No One dares tread; Hope there's Hope, even a little, so that the Indian Railways make a come back, but then again, it takes 'Guts' for someone to step into your shoes...at least Sandals for Heavens sake. The search for the Needle in a Hay stack I guess.... Wake up IR, wake up and smell the coffee.
ReplyDelete