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Vande Bharat trains hold significant export potential: Moonish Ghuge
Interviews- Sep 28,24
In this interaction with Rakesh Rao, Moonish Ghuge, President, Traction division, Motion business, ABB India Ltd, highlights on how heavy investment in the railway sector is creating business opportunities for OEMs and their suppliers.
As a key solution provider of propulsion systems for the railway sector, ABB has been growing its foothold in India’s locomotive market by providing efficient and sustainable transportation solutions. In this interaction with Rakesh Rao, Moonish Ghuge, President, Traction division, Motion business, ABB India Ltd, highlights on how heavy investment in the railway sector is creating business opportunities for OEMs and their suppliers.
How is ABB serving the railway sector in India?
ABB India is a key solution provider of propulsion systems for the railway sector, with a strong presence in the domestic market. Currently, around 1,000 locomotives across the country operate with ABB propulsion technologies, showcasing our deep commitment to driving India’s rail industry forward.
Aligned with the Indian government’s Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative, ABB has been strengthening its local manufacturing capabilities to support the nation’s self-reliance goals. Our facilities in Vadodara and Bengaluru produce all key components for traction systems, making ABB well-positioned to deliver locally manufactured solutions for both Indian Railways and metro systems. This supports the government’s push towards "Make in India" by encouraging domestic production and reducing reliance on imports.
ABB’s collaboration extends beyond traditional locomotives, as we are increasingly involved in the mass transit passenger transportation and metro rail segments. For instance, ABB is supporting projects like the Surat and Ahmedabad metro systems, providing advanced propulsion systems in partnership with a leading train OEM. ABB actively contributes to the global rail sector by exporting propulsion systems through our collaborations with rail OEMs for various international projects. Our focus remains on growing our foothold in India's locomotive market while also expanding into emerging sectors like metro rail, ensuring efficient and sustainable transportation solutions for the future.
How has the railways sector evolved in recent years? What kinds of trends do you foresee in the next 4-5 years?
The Indian railway sector has seen a remarkable transformation over the past five years. One of the most significant developments has been the rapid pace of electrification, with approximately 1,000 electric locomotives being produced annually. This electrification drive supports India’s vision of reducing its carbon footprint, while enhancing the efficiency and sustainability of rail transport. Urban mobility has also been revolutionised by the expansion of metro rail systems. Major cities like Mumbai, Surat, and Ahmedabad have introduced new metro lines, offering a reliable, energy-efficient alternative for millions of daily commuters. The adoption of advanced technologies in metro rail systems, such as automation and digitalization, has set new benchmarks in terms of safety, efficiency, and passenger comfort.
Over the next four to five years, this momentum is expected to continue. We foresee the development of new metro lines in cities such as Chennai, Bhubaneswar, and Patna, further enhancing urban connectivity. Electrification will also accelerate, with a focus on both freight and passenger services. Additionally, there will be a growing emphasis on sustainability, driven by India’s commitment to reducing greenhouse gas emissions in transportation. This will lead to increased demand for energy-efficient technologies, including advanced propulsion systems and electrification solutions.
At ABB, we are well-prepared to support this growth. Our expertise in traction solutions, combined with cutting-edge digital and electrification technologies, positions us to play a key role in the ongoing evolution of India’s rail network. As the country continues to modernise its railway infrastructure, ABB is committed to enabling sustainable, efficient, and future-ready rail transport.
The government has been investing heavily in the railway sector. How is this creating business opportunities for ABB?
The Indian government’s significant investment in the railway sector, including plans for electrification, modernization, and the expansion of metro rail networks, is creating new opportunities for growth and expansion. These investments align with ABB’s focus on supporting sustainable transportation solutions through advanced electrification and automation technologies.
As the rail sector continues to evolve, ABB is well-positioned to cater to the growing demand for energy-efficient propulsion systems, traction converters, and power supply solutions. Our manufacturing facilities in Vadodara and Bengaluru are key hubs in our expansion efforts, allowing us to scale up production to meet the increasing needs of both domestic and international rail projects. These facilities will play a pivotal role in supplying cutting-edge technologies for electric locomotives, metro systems, and high-speed rail, all of which are central to India’s railway modernisation plans.
In addition to manufacturing, ABB’s deep expertise in digitalization, automation, and energy management equips us to support the railways' long-term sustainability goals. With the government’s focus on electrifying the rail network and reducing carbon emissions, we see significant potential in delivering solutions that enhance operational efficiency while minimizing environmental impact. Overall, the government’s investment plans are creating an exciting growth trajectory for ABB in the railway sector, and we are committed to partnering with the railways to deliver smarter, greener, and more efficient transportation solutions.
How is ABB assisting the development of Vande Bharat trains?
Vande Bharat train, a hallmark of Indian Railways' modernisation efforts, has seen significant contributions from various local and global Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs). These OEMs are providing state-of-the-art technologies and components to ensure that Vande Bharat trains meet global standards for speed, efficiency, and passenger comfort. As part of this ecosystem, ABB is also playing role by supplying advanced traction technology that powers these trains.
ABB has partnered with key OEMs to deliver energy-efficient propulsion systems, ensuring optimal performance and reliability. Our cutting-edge traction solutions, including converters and traction motors, are designed to enhance energy efficiency, reduce maintenance requirements, and support seamless operation at high speeds.
What kinds of R&D/innovations were required for Vande Bharat coaches?
Vande Bharat trains represent a significant departure from conventional loco-hauled passenger coaches. One of the most notable differences is the use of distributed power, which enhances the train’s performance with higher acceleration, increased speed, and greater redundancy. Unlike conventional trains that rely on a single locomotive, Vande Bharat's distributed power configuration ensures that even if one section of the train experiences a failure, other sections can maintain operation, improving reliability and availability.
ABB’s traction offerings are part of these trains like the highly efficient underfloor-mounted traction and auxiliary converters that can withstand extreme conditions, including track flooding of up to 650mm. These converters are designed not only for durability but also for efficiency, ensuring that the train operates with minimal energy consumption while delivering top-tier performance. Another key innovation has been in the development of higher-efficiency propulsion systems that are lighter and more compact, contributing to the overall speed and energy efficiency of the train.
What kinds of new opportunities are you exploring in the railway space for future growth?
The Vande Bharat train sets are not only transforming rail travel in India but also hold significant potential for export to global markets. As Indian Railways looks to expand this technology, ABB, with its global presence and local expertise, is well-positioned to support this growth. We are actively exploring opportunities to collaborate with entities like ICF, RCF, MCF, and private OEMs to cater to the ever-growing demand for advanced train systems.
In addition to Vande Bharat, ABB is focused on expanding its presence in other segments of the rail industry, including metro rail and high-speed passenger coaches. Our propulsion technology offers flexibility and reliability, positioning us as a trusted partner for OEMs in India and abroad. By continuing to invest in R&D and driving innovation in traction systems, ABB aims to support the future of sustainable and efficient rail transportation in India and across the world.
Moonish Ghuge
ABB India
Indian Railways
trains
Vande Bharat trains
exports
Rakesh Rao
India railway sector
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