The demand surge for specialised wagons aligns perfectly with Titagarh's commitment to innovation.

Prithish Chowdhary

Deputy Managing Director, Titagarh Rail Systems Limited

What are your views on the current developments happening in railway infrastructure?

The recent railway development initiatives spearheaded by the Government of India have cast an optimistic outlook on India's economic growth. The Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi recently inaugurated approximately 2,000 railway infrastructure projects valued at over Rs. 41,000 crores. Additionally, the approval of six railway projects, totalling Rs. 12,343 crores, underscores the government's commitment to bolstering railway infrastructure to realize the vision of Viksit Bharat (developed India). These endeavours are poised to address several critical aspects like job creation, among others essential for advancing towards a developed economy.

The current developments in railway infrastructure are crucial for the Indian economy to achieve its targets. The Indian Railways have undergone a transformative journey in the last three years, yet there is still a long way to go for it to reach its full capacity in terms of investment and growth. The focus on strengthening the railway infrastructure, whether through new developments or utilizing existing assets, is essential for the country to meet its economic goals. The recent attention on railways is seen as a positive step towards enhancing domestic tourism, improving logistics efficiency, and supporting the country's overall economic growth trajectory. 

Railways is planning big in terms of rail freight services development. In this regard, what opportunities do you foresee in future?

Titagarh Rail Systems stands at the forefront of the Freight Rail Systems industry, boasting a global presence and a commitment to delivering comprehensive solutions across the sector. With the Dedicated Freight Corridor (DFC) rapidly operationalizing and expanding, Titagarh finds itself poised for substantial growth and success. Titagarh has ramped up its operations to hit a run rate of 1,000 wagons/month, and this is what makes us confident of being a continually competitive and active contributor to the Indian Railways and the Government’s vision of a Viksit Bharat.

As India’s largest manufacturer of freight rolling stock, Titagarh's contributions to the industry's landscape are significant, constituting a substantial portion of its overall revenue.

The emergence of the DFC, with over 90% of its extensive length already operational and plans for further expansion underway, presents a golden opportunity for the industry. The DFC's dedicated tracks, boasting speeds three times faster than conventional routes, necessitate tailored wagon designs to fully capitalize on the enhanced infrastructure. This demand surge for specialized wagons aligns perfectly with Titagarh's expertise and commitment to innovation.

What are the latest offerings from the company in the modernisation of railways?

In line with India's vision for modernizing the overall rail infrastructure, Titagarh is committed to contributing towards transforming the country into a global hub for advanced rolling stock solutions under the Make In India initiative as part of our journey towards a Viksit Bharat. Recently, Titagarh has joined forces with ABB to meet the rising demand for propulsion system in India, marking a significant milestone as the sole indigenous manufacturer of driverless propulsion systems in the country. These collaborative efforts underscore Titagarh’s commitment to pioneering innovation and addressing the evolving needs of the industry effectively.

A key aspect of Railways modernization drive is exemplified through recent flagship projects in India, such as the Sleeper Vande Bharat Trains. Titagarh will be producing the sleeper coaches indigenously meeting global standards, providing an experience at par to air travel. With the state-of-the-art manufacturing facilities and design centres in India, Titagarh is steadfast in leveraging India's engineering prowess to contribute significantly to the modernization of the country's railways and cater to the growing rail market.