Titagarh Rail Systems and ABB India Forge Strategic Partnership for Metro Propulsion Systems
In a significant development for India's railway infrastructure sector, Titagarh Rail Systems and ABB India have signed a comprehensive agreement to deliver advanced propulsion systems for 25kV metro projects across the country. This landmark deal, announced from Kolkata, includes a crucial technology transfer component for the Train Control and Monitoring System (TCMS), marking a major step toward technological self-reliance.
Technology Transfer and Manufacturing Under Make in India
The agreement encompasses a gradual transfer of manufacturing capabilities and co-production of Converters and Traction Motors, fully aligned with the Make in India initiative. This move builds upon Titagarh's existing expertise, as the company acquired TCMS technology for 750V metro systems in 2023. The current partnership will enable Titagarh to complete its portfolio, covering TCMS for both traction systems used in Indian metro networks.
Enhancing Domestic Capabilities and Infrastructure
Titagarh Rail Systems has been actively strengthening its research and development infrastructure. The company established its own TCMS laboratory at its design centre in Bangalore last year, demonstrating its commitment to innovation. Currently, Titagarh is already producing traction motors for locomotives and Electric Multiple Units (EMUs). Through this agreement with ABB, the company will progressively co-produce propulsion systems specifically designed for metro applications, further expanding its manufacturing footprint.
Leadership Perspective on Atmanirbhar Bharat
Commenting on this strategic development, Umesh Chowdhary, Vice-Chairman and Managing Director of Titagarh Rail Systems, emphasized the agreement's alignment with national goals. "This agreement with ABB marks a big step towards the direction given by Prime Minister Narendra Modi towards not only making in India, but becoming ‘Atmanirbhar' as well," he stated. Chowdhary highlighted Titagarh's unwavering commitment to supporting the vision of a fully developed India by 2047.
"At Titagarh, we have always been committed to the call of our honourable PM to make India fully ‘viksit' by 2047 and we are continuously enhancing our capabilities towards that effect," he added. The company's journey includes being the first in India to develop aluminium metro trains and establishing state-of-the-art facilities for manufacturing both stainless steel and aluminium metros.
Backward Integration and Strategic Alliances
In its endeavor to achieve backward integration and self-sufficiency across the entire train manufacturing value chain, Titagarh has been systematically developing its capabilities and facilities. Strategic alliances, such as the one with ABB India, play a pivotal role in this mission. This partnership not only enhances Titagarh's technological prowess but also contributes to reducing dependency on imports, fostering indigenous innovation, and creating skilled employment opportunities within the country.
The collaboration between Titagarh Rail Systems and ABB India is expected to accelerate the modernization of India's metro rail networks, ensuring efficient, reliable, and sustainable urban transportation solutions. By leveraging global expertise while prioritizing domestic manufacturing, this agreement sets a benchmark for public-private partnerships in the infrastructure sector, driving forward the nation's economic and technological aspirations.
