Rail Analysis: Could you share with us the vision of Titagarh Rail Systems and how it has evolved over the years?
Shri Prithish Chowdhary: At Titagarh Rail Systems Limited (TRSL), we are committed to becoming a global leader in innovative and sustainable mobility solutions. From being a leading manufacturer of freight wagons, we have expanded our expertise into passenger rail systems, producing metro coaches, Vande Bharat trainsets, and propulsion systems.
As part of our vision, we aim to establish the first Indian multinational company in the railway sector, expanding beyond domestic markets to cater to global demand. Our advancements in urban metro projects, including the delivery of driverless Made-in-India trainsets for Bengaluru Metro’s Yellow Line and securing major Vande Bharat trainset orders under the Make-in-India initiative, reflect our commitment to enhancing public transportation in India. In line with our growth strategy, we are expanding the shipbuilding business and diversifying into safety signalling systems. Our shipbuilding vertical plays a key role in strengthening India’s maritime infrastructure, while our focus on safety signalling aligns with ensuring safe and efficient railway operations nationwide. This transformation from a wagon-centric manufacturer to a comprehensive mobility solutions provider highlights our commitment to infrastructure development, not just in India but also on a global scale.
Rail Analysis: As a part of a mission to advance railway technology, please share with us an insight into the contribution of Titagarh Rail Systems in the development of the railway and metro projects in India along with your present footprint and projects in India?
Shri Prithish Chowdhary: At TRSL, we are grateful to contribute to the advancement of India’s railway and metro infrastructure. With a growing presence in freight rolling stock, passenger rolling stock, and propulsion systems, we remain committed to continuous improvement and innovation.
“We have recently delivered the first Made-in-India driverless trainset for Bengaluru Metro’s Yellow Line, demonstrating our expertise in advanced passenger rolling stock and reinforcing our role in India’s metro rail expansion.”
Additionally, we have secured significant orders for Vande Bharat trainsets, playing a key role in India’s high-speed railway infrastructure under the Make-in-India initiative. Additionally, we have secured contracts to manufacture driverless metro coaches for Ahmedabad and Surat, further reinforcing our leadership in India’s urban rail infrastructure development. In the freight segment, we continue to be a leading manufacturer of wagons, supporting the bulk and industrial transportation needs of the country. Our customized freight solutions have strengthened India’s logistics infrastructure, ensuring efficient cargo movement across industries. Beyond our core operations, we have recently diversifying into two strategic verticals—shipbuilding and safety signalling systems. These new verticals will be our next growth engines, with the potential to become large business outlets. Our world class manufacturing facilities in Uttarpara and Titagarh (West Bengal) are equipped for large-scale production of metro coaches, Vande Bharat trainsets, and freight wagons, further reinforcing our role as comprehensive mobility solutions provider. Through continuous technological advancements and strategic expansions, we remain committed to transforming India’s transportation landscape while expanding our global footprint.
Rail Analysis: With the increased manufacturing of Vande Bharat trains in India, let us know your perspective on the same and how can you contribute to it?
Shri Prithish Chowdhary: The Vande Bharat train initiative marks a significant step in India’s railway modernization, enhancing high-speed connectivity, passenger comfort, and self-reliance in rail manufacturing As a key player in Passenger Rail Systems (PRS), we are actively contributing to this transformation by a part of the sleeper Vande Bharat Project. Our expertise in trainset manufacturing, propulsion systems, and advanced engineering solutions positions us well to support the Government of India’s vision of expanding the Vande Bharat network across the country Next year, we are also set to launch the new prototype of the Vande Bharat sleeper coach, setting new benchmarks in high-speed rail travel in India.
“At TRSL, we are not only manufacturing Vande Bharat trainsets but also focusing on indigenization of critical components to enhance cost efficiency and reduce dependency on imports. Our joint venture with BHEL for the Vande Bharat sleeper train project is a testament to our commitment to developing world-class high-speed rail solutions.”
With our cutting-edge production facilities, investments in cutting-edge technology, and a strong focus on quality and innovation, we are well-positioned to drive the growth of semi-high-speed rail in India and support the nation’s goal of becoming a global railway manufacturing hub.
Rail Analysis: How will your new Safety signalling system division enhance railway safety and operational efficiency in India? What are the key objectives of this division?
Shri Prithish Chowdhary: TRSL’s foray into the Safety Signalling Systems division is a strategic move aimed at revolutionizing railway safety and operational efficiency in India. With increasing rail traffic and the push for modernization, there is a growing demand for advanced signalling and train control solutions. This division will focus on developing and deploying cutting-edge technology in key areas such as train control, vehicle and train – mounted systems, and asset condition monitoring. By leveraging our engineering and manufacturing expertise, we aim to provide high-reliability solutions that enhance safety, reduce delays, and improve overall network efficiency. With this vertical, we aim to strengthen railway signalling infrastructure, ensure safe and efficient train operations, and support the adoption of modern signalling technologies across Indian Railways and metro systems. We will actively work on collaborating with global technology leaders, adapting international best practices, and localizing production. As we expand this vertical, our goal is to play a crucial role in transforming India’s railway safety landscape, ensuring seamless mobility for passengers and freight while meeting global safety standards.
Rail Analysis: What is the present progress of the project involving Ramkrishna Forgings for manufacturing forged wheels?
Shri Prithish Chowdhary: Our joint venture with Ramkrishna Forgings Ltd. for forged wheel manufacturing is progressing as planned, with the state-of-the-art facility set to commence production by February-March 2026.
This initiative is a crucial step in reducing India’s dependence on imported wheels. Once fully operational, the plant will have an annual capacity of 2,28,000 wheels, with 80,000 wheels already underwritten by Indian Railways, ensuring a stable demand pipeline.
“With this venture, we aim to strengthen India’s railway supply chain while ensuring timely and cost-effective wheel availability for both Passenger Rolling Stock (PRS) and Freight Rolling Stock (FRS). The facility is being developed using advanced manufacturing processes, incorporating automation and precision engineering to meet the highest quality standards.”
As we move towards operational readiness, this project will play a vital role in supporting Indian Railways’ long-term infrastructure growth while enhancing our position as a key contributor to the Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative.
Rail Analysis: You recently delivered the train-sets for Bengaluru metro also. What have been the key features for the same?
Shri Prithish Chowdhary: The successful delivery of the first Made-in-India driverless trainset for Bengaluru Metro’s Yellow Line marks a significant milestone in India’s metro rail development. These advanced six-car trainsets, manufactured at our state-of-the-art Uttarpara facility, are designed for unattended train operations (UTO), enhancing efficiency and passenger safety.
The trainsets incorporate cutting-edge propulsion systems, modern train control & monitoring systems (TCMS), and superior energy efficiency, aligning with global metro standards. Our Bengaluru Metro trainsets are built with stainless steel car bodies, ensuring durability and high strength, while spacious, modern interiors, ergonomic seating, and real-time passenger information systems offer a comfortable and pleasant travel experience. Equipped with regenerative braking technology, they contribute to energy conservation and sustainable urban transit.
Rail Analysis: Anything else you would like to share with our readers?
Shri Prithish Chowdhary: At Titagarh Rail Systems Ltd., we are committed to shapingthe future of mobility through technological innovation, sustainable manufacturing, and infrastructure expansion.With our expertise spanning freight wagons, metro coaches, Vande Bharat trainsets, propulsion systems, shipbuilding, and railway safety & signalling, we continue to strengthen India’s transportation ecosystem. As metro networks expand, high-speed rail projects gain momentum, and freight corridors modernize, we remain focused on enhancing capacity, integrating automation, and developing advanced in-house solutions to drive efficiency and self-reliance. Aligned with the vision of Viksit Bharat, we aim to play a pivotal role in India’s infrastructure transformation.
Images Credit: Titagarh Rail Systems Limited
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