Vinyl-Wrapped Trains Go Viral: Mamata Banerjee’s Brainchild? The Shocking Truth

Last Updated:February 19, 2026, 15:05 IST

High-grade vinyl wrapping on Indian trains reportedly started during Mamata Banerjee’s second tenure as Railway Minister (2009-2011).

Indian Railways is increasingly shifting from traditional liquid painting to high-grade vinyl wrapping to give its trains a fresh look. This approach is quicker, cleaner and more cost-effective. The move gained attention after a video showing railway employees applying red vinyl film to a train exterior went viral on social media.

The clip, shared widely on X (formerly Twitter), shows workers carefully stretching and smoothing adhesive-backed polyvinyl chloride (PVC) sheets across the coach surface to achieve a uniform finish.

Responding to the viral video, a user claimed that the practice dates back to the tenure of former Railway Minister Mamata Banerjee. “This started when Mamata Banerjee was Rail Minister btw. Duronto Express started during her time and painting all those liveries in that way wasn’t feasible so they resorted to vinyl wrapping them. You can barely tell the difference, it’s cost effective, quicker and less messy," the post read.

What is Vinyl Wrapping?

Vinyl wrapping involves applying a thin, adhesive-backed PVC film over a vehicle’s exterior to alter its colour, texture or branding. The technique is widely used in the automotive and aviation industries and is now finding broader application in rail transport. Common finishes include gloss, matte, metallic and satin. Apart from aesthetics, the vinyl layer offers added protection against UV exposure, minor scratches and surface wear.

When Did High-Grade Vinyl Wrapping Start On Indian Trains?

High-grade vinyl wrapping on Indian trains reportedly started during Mamata Banerjee’s second tenure as Railway Minister (2009-2011). She was also in charge of this ministry from 1999 to 2001 in the BJP-led NDA government.

Origins Of Vinyl Wraps And How Has It Developed Over Time

Currently the Chief Minister Of West Bengal, Mamata Banerjee, introduced colourful vinyl wraps on Duronto Express trains starting in September 2009. The trains used cast polymeric vinyl films for abstract designs denoting speed. Digitally embossed via ultraviolet technique, these wraps provided a glossy, durable finish conceived by Banerjee herself.

The practice expanded for advertising (e.g., 2017 branded train, 2019 SCCL wrap), with recent shifts to high-grade PVC sheets for quick maintenance and protection. Duronto’s yellow-green livery still remains iconic.

Advantages Of Vinyl Wrapping Over Traditional Painting. Is It Cost-Sufficient?

Compared to traditional liquid painting, which involves sanding, priming, multiple coats and drying time, vinyl wrapping significantly reduces time. It also minimises paint fumes and environmental waste, making it a relatively cleaner alternative. Moreover, Vinyl wrapping are cost-effective and faster than traditional painting, with 2-3 workers completing a coach in just a day without curing time or hazardous fumes. It offers better gloss retention and allows interior work during application.

As the Vinyl wraps doesn’t need primers, multiple paint layers, or clear coats, it costs less due to reduced labour and materials. For Indian Railways, wrapping one coach of Duronto trains was far more economical than painting.

Application Process And Maintenance Of Vinyl Wraps

Wrapping an entire train with Vinyl wraps can take just 1-2 days per coach with 2-3 workers, skipping drying or curing times that delay painting by days or weeks. This minimises train downtime, crucial for busy networks.

Talking about its maintenance, wraps need no waxing, clean easily with soap and water, resist stains, and hide minor scratches better. Vinyl wraps also protect underlying paint from UV fading and chips.

Vinyl Wraps Offer Design Flexibility

Unlike paint’s limitations, complex and colourful designs like on Duronto’s speed motifs are printed digitally and applied precisely. The best part? They are removable without damage for rebranding.

Are High-Grade Vinyl Wraps Durable And Safe?

High-quality vinyl retains shine for more than 18 months, is free of paint fumes, and can contain reflective elements for increased visibility. It is also lighter, which improves fuel efficiency.

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