We believe that PPP model envisages bringing in better and newer technologies, practices and services.

Amit Banerjee

- Director Rail & Metro Business, BEML

How has been the performance of BEML in the manufacture of passenger rail coaches (of broad gauge) and delivery of in-hand projects for the use of Indian Railways in last five years?

BEML has a rich experience in manufacturing Passenger Coaches (BG) for Indian Railways. The list includes various types of loco-hauled as well as powered rolling stock such as GS coaches, GSCN coaches, AC-EMUs, DEMUs, MEMUs, ACEMU with Stainless Steel body as well as Self-Propelled Maintenance Vehicles etc. and have supplied more than 18000 coaches.

BEML has recently designed, developed, manufactured and supplied 18 Nos. Diesel Electric Tower Car (DETC) and is the only firm apart from Railway Unit to complete the supply of these cars to Indian Railways.

Currently, BEML has the order for supply of 300 Nos. 3Ph MEMU Coaches (BG) to Indian Railways. BEML designed 3Ph MEMU coaches have been recently cleared for induction after necessary tests and trials. BEML, has further supplied 140 coaches against the order and the balance shall be supplied during the current year.

How do you foresee Indian market growing in the railways manufacturing segment?

Indian Railways has been emphasizing on modernization of rail infrastructure including rolling stock and maintenance. With these there would be ample opportunities for manufacturers and service providers in the segment.

Railways have already floated their requirement of various OHE and Track Maintenance Vehicles, private trains (with advanced features). This is very encouraging both in terms of quantities as well as total project value attracting various stake holders to upgrade, design, develop, manufacture and supply these equipments.

Technology has taken Indian Railways to new levels since few years and BEML is working very closely with railways for it. Kindly tell us about how are you helping Indian Railways in terms of Technology and modernization?

BEML has recently designed 3Ph MEMU cars with onboard electrics against a Railway order. BEML has also submitted a Technical Proposal to Railway Board offering 3Ph MEMU with under slung electrics and SS body. BEML has also partnered with M/s. Loram Maintenance of Way (US) to be their Indian Manufacturing partner for the Rail Grinding Machine Project for Indian Railways. These machines shall be utilized for track maintenance.

Indian Railways has also opened up avenues for train operations managed by private entities. This also provides the option of bringing in new rakes to meet ever increasing customer needs in terms of facilities and services provided during the journey to enhance travel experience. BEML being one of the prominent rolling stock manufacturers in India is very excited about this prospect.

The Indian Government is encouraging public -private partnership in this sector to ensure more efficient functioning. How do you see this development?

We believe that the public-private partnership (PPP) model envisages bringing in better and newer technologies, practices and services.

We are already witnessing PPP projects for Infrastructure, Rolling Stock and Services - station upliftment/smart stations and tender for Private train operations is already under process. This is an exciting time for the entire sector as it opens a lot of potential to bring in newer/smarter technologies to India as well as world-class services to consumers.

The market will be more dynamic and we expect to see different entities joining hands to collaborate and deliver these projects. Railway sector is now set for a complete overhaul and makeover.

What do you think are the challenges, especially during this situation of the second wave of Covid19 and new avenues for you in the railway sector?

We have sailed successfully through the first wave of the Pandemic though the second wave is more virulent so we are taking all possible precautions and preventive measures to contain the same. Though our entire workforce is putting in their best efforts to navigate through this time, but it would be challenging to keep the manufacturing supply chain (raw material & transportation) unaffected.

However, we are upbeat as railways has already opened up the avenues for a huge market requirement of Maintenance Vehicles and Private Train operations giving a big boost in these difficult times. We expect to deliver the projects on hand with minimal delays.

How upbeat you are about the future business prospects in this vertical?

BEML was the first Indian Coach manufacturer for the Indian Railways. Starting in 1964 from general passenger coach manufacturing, BEML has gradually forayed and made its mark into design, develop and manufacturing of maintenance vehicles, LHB coaches and Metro Coaches.

In recent times BEML has bagged the order to design, manufacture and supply 8W DETC and to design, develop, manufacture and supply 3Ph MEMUs.

We are proud to say that BEML has successfully executed these projects. Both the products have been developed, tested and inducted into Indian Railways in the recent past. Supply of DETC has been completed and MEMU will be completed this year. BEML is also the manufacturing Rail Grinding Machines (in partnership with M/s. Loram Maintenance of Way) which will start rolling out from BEML this year.

With the above credentials we are fully ready and geared to cater to the requirements of the Indian Railways.

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