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Titagarh will support the expanding passenger rail market: Prithish Chowdhary
Interviews- Jan 28,25
As a leader in freight rolling stock and one of India’s largest wagon manufacturers, Titagarh is leveraging this surge in investment to scale its operations.
Titagarh Rail Systems is playing a pivotal role in the development of Vande Bharat trains. Through our consortium agreement with Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited (BHEL), we are set to launch India's first privately manufactured Vande Bharat sleeper train by late 2025, comments Prithish Chowdhary, Deputy Managing Editor, Titagarh Rail Systems Limited. In this interview with Rakesh Rao, Prithish Chowdhary delves into the technicalities of the Indian railway infrastructure and TRSL’s contribution towards the nation’s development.
With the Government of India spending huge money in developing railway infrastructure (for example, capex of Rs 2.652 trillion in FY25), how is it creating business opportunities for Titagarh Rail Systems?
The Government of India's unprecedented capital expenditure of Rs 2.652 trillion in FY25 for railway infrastructure is a game-changer for companies like Titagarh Rail Systems. This significant investment presents numerous opportunities for growth across both freight and passenger rail segments.
As a leader in freight rolling stock and one of India’s largest wagon manufacturers, Titagarh is leveraging this surge in investment to scale its operations. The Aatmanirbhar Bharat and ‘Make in India’ initiatives further bolster this growth, enabling us to deliver innovative, cost-effective solutions tailored to the domestic market.
By blending advanced engineering expertise from Firema in Italy with our Indian manufacturing capabilities, Titagarh is uniquely positioned to support the expanding passenger rail market. Our focus on innovation, resource optimisation, and technological advancements positions us as a key player in the global market. The Make for the World initiative aligns with our vision to cater to domestic and export markets, ensuring sustained growth and reinforcing India’s global rail industry leadership.
From a manufacturing perspective, how different are Vande Bharat train sets from conventionally built passenger coaches? What kinds of R&D/innovations were required for Vande Bharat coaches? Can you share a few examples?
Vande Bharat train sets mark a significant advancement in Indian rail manufacturing, combining cutting-edge technology with passenger-centric features that distinguish them from conventional coaches. Their integrated trainset design enhances aerodynamics and reduces energy consumption, while advanced air conditioning, noise insulation, and luxurious interiors set a new standard for comfort and convenience.
Technological innovations such as automatic sliding doors, GPS-enabled passenger information systems, and bio-vacuum toilets further elevate the travel experience. Additionally, the Vande Bharat platform's design flexibility supports various configurations, including a sleeper version tailored for overnight travel, blending comfort with efficiency. Lightweight stainless steel construction adds durability while optimising speed and fuel efficiency, making Vande Bharat a transformative leap forward in rail transportation.
Vande Bharat Express has had a significant impact on Indian rail travel. How is Titagarh Rail Systems assisting the development of Vande Bharat trains? How is your joint venture with BHEL (to manufacture Vande Bharat train sets) progressing?
Titagarh Rail Systems is playing a pivotal role in the development of Vande Bharat trains. Through our consortium agreement with Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited (BHEL), we are set to launch India's first privately manufactured Vande Bharat sleeper train by late 2025.
The Uttarpara facility serves as our primary manufacturing hub for this project. Titagarh is responsible for mechanical coach building, integration, testing, and commissioning, while BHEL supplies critical electrical systems. This collaboration ensures a seamless blend of mechanical and electrical expertise to deliver world-class trainsets.
In addition to the sleeper trains, Titagarh is keenly observing the development of the Vande Bharat Metro project and is exploring avenues to contribute to this initiative, further expanding our involvement in India’s high-speed rail ecosystem.
What kinds of new opportunities are you exploring in the railways space for growth in the future?
We are pursuing diverse growth strategies to expand our presence in the rail sector. These include strengthening our manufacturing capacity to meet the rising demand for advanced rolling stock and targeting international markets through our ‘Make for the World’ strategy, offering cost-effective and high-quality rail solutions. Domestically, we are exploring opportunities in metro rail and semi high speed trains to enhance urban mobility across India. Additionally, we are investing in research and innovation by establishing Design Centre/Engineering Centre to develop energy-efficient, lightweight, and eco-friendly solutions for both passenger and freight rail systems.
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