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The Rail Coach Factory (RCF) in Kapurthala in Punjab is aiming to roll out the first prototype of Vande Metro coach for intercity travel ?by April this year, its general manager S Srinivas has said. A total of 16 such coaches are expected to be ready by the later part of 2024-25 financial year, he said. Vande Metro, which is designed on the concept of India's first indigenous semi-high-speed train Vande Bharat, will cater to intercity passengers covering up to a distance of 250 km. A Vande Metro train will have 16 air-conditioned coaches and can run at a maximum speed of 130 km per hour. "This train is meant for intercity traffic," Srinivas told PTI, adding, "We are aiming that the first prototype is ready by April." Following trials, the RCF will start its production. Vande Metro trains will enhance passenger experience and accessibility, he said, adding each coach will have the capacity to carry 280 passengers -- 100 seating capacity and 180 standing capacity. The 3x3 bench-ty
The government is likely to sell shares in two fertiliser companies -- RCF and NFL -- by December-end to garner over Rs 1,200 crore, an official said. The offer for sale (OFS) would be for 10 per cent of government stake in Rashtriya Chemicals & Fertilizers Ltd (RCF) and 20 per cent in National Fertilizers Ltd (NFL). "The transactions could fetch around Rs 1,200 crore to Rs 1,500 crore", the official told PTI. The merchant bankers for the transaction have already been appointed. The official further said that considering the steps taken by the government for the fertiliser sector, the valuation of the shares could improve in the coming months. Shares of RCF closed at Rs 72.25, while that of NFL at Rs 53.95 on the BSE on Friday. The government currently holds 74.71 per cent stake in NFL and 75 per cent in RCF. The government has set an ambitious target of raising Rs 1.75 lakh crore from divestment in 2021-22, higher than Rs 38,000 crore it raised last fiscal. Most disinvestment