Indian Railways is rapidly gaining recognition as a global exporter of rail components including bogies, coaches, locomotives, and propulsion systems, in line with the Government’s ‘Make in India, Make for the World’ initiative. Union Minister for Railways, Shri Ashwini Vaishnaw, during his visit to Alstom’s Savli facility in Vadodara, Gujarat, praised the unit’s world-class manufacturing capabilities and its role in transforming India into a major player in the global railway supply chain.
The Savli facility, which manufactures cutting-edge commuter and transit train cars, is a cornerstone of India’s push towards self-reliance and innovation in railway infrastructure. Shri Vaishnaw lauded Alstom’s approach of designing customized solutions for each order, suggesting that Indian Railways adopt similar practices. He proposed a joint training programme in collaboration with Gati Shakti Vishwavidyalaya to enhance skills and knowledge, and recommended exposure visits to the Savli unit for General Managers of all Production Units. Discussions also emphasized the adoption of advanced technologies such as sensors and artificial intelligence for predictive maintenance.
With over 3,400 Indian engineers collaborating with 21 Alstom sites worldwide, the Savli facility has exported 450 rail cars to Australia for the Queensland Metro project. Since 2016, India has shipped a total of 1,002 rail cars for various global projects, reinforcing the country’s reputation as a reliable partner for modern rail systems.
The export achievements are not limited to rail cars alone. The Savli unit has exported over 3,800 bogies to countries like Germany, Egypt, Sweden, Australia, and Brazil, while also supplying more than 4,000 flatpacks (modular components) to Vienna, Austria. The Maneja unit has contributed significantly by exporting over 5,000 propulsion systems to numerous international destinations.
India’s leadership in global railway projects extends to signalling systems as well. The country is currently spearheading 27 international signalling projects and supporting 40 additional ones. The Digital Experience Centre in Bengaluru is playing a crucial role, backing more than 120 global projects with cutting-edge technologies such as IoT, AI, blockchain, and cybersecurity.
Indian rail products are now being exported to numerous countries. Metro coaches have been shipped to Australia and Canada; bogies to the UK, Saudi Arabia, France, and Australia; propulsion systems to France, Mexico, Romania, Spain, Germany, and Italy; and passenger coaches to Mozambique, Bangladesh, and Sri Lanka. Locomotives have also been delivered to Mozambique, Senegal, Sri Lanka, Myanmar, Bangladesh, and the Republic of Guinea.
The growing export activity is significantly boosting the local economy. A robust network of suppliers around the Savli region, including companies like Integra, Anovi, Hind Rectifier, Hitachi Energy, and ABB, are playing a vital role in fabrication, interiors, and electrical system manufacturing.
Speaking to the media, Shri Vaishnaw emphasized the tangible impact of the 'Make in India, Make for the World' initiative on the railway manufacturing sector. He noted that the export of Indian-made rail components to numerous countries is creating substantial employment opportunities and enabling Indian engineers and workers to develop expertise in meeting international quality standards — a testament to the success of the government’s Make in India mission.