Union Minister Shri Ashwini Vaishnaw recently toured Alstom’s Savli facility in Vadodara, Gujarat. This plant is vital for manufacturing railway rolling stock in India. During his visit, Vaishnaw examined the maintenance practices and praised Alstom for creating customized solutions tailored for each order. He suggested a joint training program with Gati Shakti Vishwavidyalaya to enhance skills further.
The Savli facility is not just about production; it’s about pushing India’s “Make in India” and “Aatmanirbhar Bharat” initiatives forward. Over 3,400 Indian engineers work alongside Alstom’s global sites, reflecting a strong commitment to innovation. Since 2016, India has exported 1,002 rail cars for international projects, showcasing the country’s growing reputation as a reliable supplier of modern rail systems. Notably, 450 rail cars were sent to Australia for the Queensland Metro project.
Savli’s achievements extend to exporting critical components. They’ve shipped more than 3,800 bogies to countries like Germany, Egypt, and Brazil. Additionally, the Maneja unit has supplied over 5,000 propulsion systems for global projects.
India is currently leading 27 international signaling projects and supporting an additional 40 worldwide. The advancements in technology are significant, with innovation centers in Bangalore focused on next-gen systems using IoT, AI, and cybersecurity.
The rise in exports aligns with India’s vision of “Design, Develop, and Deliver from India to the world.” Recent highlights include:
– Metro coaches sent to Australia and Canada
– Bogies shipped to the UK and Saudi Arabia
– Propulsion systems supplied to France, Mexico, and Spain
– Passenger coaches delivered to Mozambique and Sri Lanka
– Locomotives exported to Bangladesh and Myanmar
The manufacturing ecosystem near Savli is thriving, bolstered by local suppliers like Integra, Hitachi Energy, and ABB, variously specializing in fabrication and electrical systems.
The Union Minister emphasized that the impact of initiatives like “Make in India” is already evident in job creation within the railway sector. Indian engineers are now gaining expertise aligned with global standards, marking a significant achievement in the mission to elevate India’s manufacturing capabilities.
Recent statistics show that India’s rail industry exports have been on the rise. According to a 2022 report by the Indian Railways, the country’s rail exports grew by 20% compared to the previous year, illustrating the increased global demand for Indian-made components.
In a world where rail systems are vital for connectivity, India is becoming a key player. This shift not only benefits the economy but also fosters innovation and skill development among engineers, positioning India as a significant contributor to the global railway ecosystem.
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