Government or private? Know who is the real owner of Vande Bharat and how funds worth billions are raised:

New Delhi. The white and blue ‘Vande Bharat Express’ running on Indian tracks has today become the new identity of modern India. Due to its speed and world class facilities, this train attracts everyone’s attention. But along with the popularity of this train, a question often arises in people’s mind – is Vande Bharat owned by any private company? Is it not run by the government but by some corporate house? Come, let us understand in simple language the whole truth about the ownership rights of this high-tech train and the ‘finance model’ behind it.

Ownership: Who holds the keys to Vande Bharat?

Contrary to all the discussions going on on social media, the real and sole owner of Vande Bharat is ‘Indian Railways’. It is completely under the Government of India. The entire responsibility of deciding its route, determining ticket rates (fare) and its operation rests with the Railway Ministry. This is not a private train, but a government asset designed by Indian engineers under ‘Make in India’. The coaches of this train are manufactured at the Integral Coach Factory (ICF) in Chennai.

Spending billions: Where does the government get so much money from?

Building a modern train like Vande Bharat and laying a network of tracks is a very expensive task. Railways require billions of rupees every year to buy new trains, replace old coaches and make stations world class. It is difficult to withdraw such a huge fund directly from the budget. This is where the entry happens IRFC That means Indian Railway Finance Corporation. In simple language you can call it your ‘personal bank’ or finance partner of Railways.

Role of IRFC: How are new trains funded?

IRFC does not directly connect with the public, rather it works to raise money from the market. This company borrows money from big investors and institutions through bonds and debentures. With this money, engines and coaches of trains like Vande Bharat are purchased.

Mathematics of Lease Model:

IRFC buys trains and other assets by raising money from the market.

After this he gives these trains on ‘lease’ (rent) to Indian Railways.

Indian Railways runs these trains and in return pays fare in installments to IRFC.

With this model, there is no huge financial burden on the government and development work also does not stop.

Vande Bharat: Not just a train, pride of self-reliant India

The journey of Vande Bharat is not just a journey from one city to another. This train is proof that India is no longer dependent on foreign countries for train technology. This train, made entirely of indigenous technology, is now ready to be exported to foreign countries also. When you travel in this train, remember that you are sitting in Indian Railways’s own train, which is a living example of the country’s pride and modern infrastructure.