Vadodara– Union Minister for Railways, Shri Ashwini Vaishnaw, reaffirmed India’s growing dominance in the global railway manufacturing sector during his visit to Alstom’s Savli facility in Vadodara. Highlighting the Government’s ‘Make in India, Make for the World’ vision, he said that Indian Railways is rapidly becoming a global exporter of cutting-edge bogies, coaches, locomotives, and propulsion systems, marking a historic shift in the country’s industrial capacity.
Focused Review of Alstom’s Advanced Operations
During the visit, Shri Vaishnaw conducted a detailed assessment of Alstom’s operations and maintenance practices, particularly lauding their innovation in designing customized solutions for international clients. He encouraged Indian Railways to adopt similar practices, enhancing competitiveness and customer-centricity in rail manufacturing.
He proposed a training collaboration between Indian Railways, Alstom, and Gati Shakti Vishwavidyalaya, aimed at fostering world-class railway talent. He also recommended that General Managers of all Production Units undertake exposure visits to Alstom’s Savli facility to witness global manufacturing excellence firsthand.
Alstom India: A Pillar of Global Rail Exports
Alstom’s Savli facility is a cornerstone of India’s global rail exports. Since 2016, India has exported 1,002 rail cars, including 450 coaches to Australia’s Queensland Metro project. With over 3,400 Indian engineers collaborating across 21 Alstom sites globally, the facility is driving technological leadership and export growth.
Major Exports from Alstom India Facilities:
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Bogies: 3,800+ exported to Germany, Sweden, Egypt, Australia, and Brazil
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Flatpacks (Modules): 4,000+ exported to Vienna, Austria
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Propulsion Systems: 5,000+ exported from the Maneja unit to Europe and Latin America
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Metro Coaches: Sent to Australia and Canada
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Passenger Coaches: Delivered to Mozambique, Bangladesh, and Sri Lanka
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Locomotives: Supplied to Mozambique, Senegal, Myanmar, Bangladesh, and Guinea
India: From Manufacturing Hub to Global Signalling Leader
India’s railway expertise is not confined to rolling stock alone. The country is leading 27 international signalling projects and supporting 40 additional global ventures. The Digital Experience Centre in Bengaluru is pioneering next-generation signalling systems using AI, IoT, blockchain, and cybersecurity across 120+ global projects.
Shri Vaishnaw emphasized that this wave of Indian innovation is rooted in the belief to “Design, Develop, and Deliver from India to the world.”
Impact on Employment and Skill Development
The minister underlined how the expansion of rail exports is creating new employment opportunities and raising skill levels within India. The growing exposure to international standards and quality control is helping Indian engineers and workers gain global expertise and recognition.
He also praised the robust supply chain ecosystem surrounding the Savli unit, supported by companies like Integra, Anovi, Hind Rectifier, Hitachi Energy, and ABB, which specialize in fabrication, interiors, and electrical systems.
Collaborative Path Ahead: Education, Innovation, and AI
Shri Vaishnaw proposed the development of AI- and sensor-based preventive maintenance systems, noting their potential to enhance reliability and reduce downtime. He encouraged collaborative research and training initiatives between Alstom and Gati Shakti Vishwavidyalaya, transforming Savli into a hub for applied railway education and innovation.
Conclusion: India as the Engine of Global Rail Manufacturing
With world-class facilities like Alstom Savli, a strong industrial ecosystem, and the leadership of visionary policy frameworks like Make in India and Aatmanirbhar Bharat, India is cementing its place as a global manufacturing leader in the railway sector.
Highlighting the Government’s ‘Make in India, Make for the World’ vision, he said that Indian Railways is rapidly becoming a global exporter of cutting-edge bogies, coaches, locomotives, and propulsion systems, marking a historic shift in the country’s industrial capacity.
The exponential rise in exports and cutting-edge innovation underscore India’s transformation from a market to a maker for the world, delivering railway solutions that meet global standards and drive national pride.
Source: PIB
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