ICF Chennai’s Integral Coach Factory is manufacturing an orange-Gray Vande Bharat Express, marking the 31st production. The factory will produce a single rake, while the interiors remain unchanged. In August 2023, the Integral Coach Factory (ICF) in Chennai rolled out a striking orange-and-grey liveried Vande Bharat Express, marking a notable visual shift from the standard blue-white palette typical of the fleet. This is the 31st Vande Bharat rake produced by ICF and the first to sport this vibrant theme, inspired by the saffron India’s tricolour The decision to experiment with an orange-grey exterior reflects ICF’s effort to inject fresh aesthetic identity into the Vande Bharat series.
The saffron tone—evocative of national symbolism—is applied prominently on the front, while subtle grey complements the bodywork. Only a single rake was painted in this scheme initially, signaling a cautious rollout. The Vande Bharat (Train-18) is an indigenous semi-high-speed EMU trainset designed and manufactured at ICF, first entering service in February 2019, with multiple variants in service today (Vande Bharat Trains). The orange-themed train underscores ICF’s evolving design portfolio and the growing maturity of India’s rail coach manufacturing capabilities. Though the interior design of this orange rake aligns with existing standards, ICF is simultaneously developing.
Sleeper variant expected to surpass the Rajdhani Express in comfort. Plans are underway to finalize interior layouts and potentially roll out this sleeper version within the same financial year. In August 2023, the Integral Coach Factory (ICF) at Chennai unveiled a striking new variant of its Vande Bharat Express—this one sporting an expressive orange-and-Gray livery. Marking the 31st rake produced by ICF, the design has been introduced as a creative experiment that visually breaks from the train’s usual blue-and-white aesthetic ICF’s choice of the saffron-hued exterior draws inspiration from India’s national palette. The vivid orange shoulders the front fascia.
Context within Vande Bharat Evolution
Transitions into Gray along the coach bodies, creating a dramatic, eye-catching contrast. Initially, only one such train has been rolled out—underscoring that this is a design test rather than a mass rollout The inaugural orange-gray rake was showcased on 19 August 2023, rolling out for trial runs on ICF’s internal test track. This launch was accompanied by exclusive media coverage, including images and videos capturing the train’s distinctive appearance and test-run debut.
Though the exterior boasts a makeover, the train’s interiors remain unchanged in layout and aesthetics. What it does carry forward, however, are the 25 incremental technical and comfort upgrades that define the latest generation of Vande Bharat rakes. These enhancements include The Vande Bharat Express—designed and built indigenously by ICF—first entered service in February 2019 and has since become a symbol of Make-in-India rail innovation. Available in 8-, 16-, and 20-coach configurations, these semi-high-speed electric multiple units have been deployed across dozens of routes (Metro Rail).
ICF is concurrently working to bring a sleeper variant of the Vande Bharat into operation—expected to outshine the comfort standards of existing Rajdhani Express trains. Interior designs are being finalized, with the expectation that the sleeper rake will be ready for deployment within the current fiscal year Meanwhile, the practical deployment route for the orange-liveried train has not yet been decided, though routes such as Chennai Vijayawada, Patna Howrah, and Kuchipudi–Yashwant were under active consideration for Vande Bharat launches at the time.
Q1. What is special about the orange-themed Vande Bharat trains?
These trains feature a new orange-and-white livery, offering a fresh, vibrant look compared to the earlier blue-and-white design.
Q2. Who manufactures these Vande Bharat trains?
They are designed and built by the Integral Coach Factory (ICF) in Chennai.
Q3. Why was the colour changed to orange?
The change is part of Indian Railways’ initiative to give the trains a distinctive, modern identity.
Q4. On which routes will the new orange-themed trains run?
Initially, they will be deployed on select high-demand routes, with gradual expansion across the network.
Q5. Are there any changes apart from the colour scheme?
Yes, they also feature improved passenger amenities, upgraded interiors, and enhanced energy efficiency.
