Bengaluru: In a high-level interaction that underscored India’s rail modernization ambitions, Shantanu Roy, Chairman and Managing Director of BEML Limited, extended a warm welcome to Shri Srinivas Katikithala, Secretary, Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA), during his recent visit to Bengaluru.
Also present at the meeting were Mr Maheshwar Rao, Managing Director of Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation Limited (BMRCL), and Shri Jaideep, Officer on Special Duty, MoHUA.
Rail Infrastructure as a Driver of Modernization
The meeting fostered a constructive and forward-looking discussion on accelerating the development of India’s rail infrastructure – seen as a core pillar in the country’s path to urban transformation and economic resilience. The dignitaries explored strategies to bolster both urban and regional rail networks, integrating smart city objectives and the larger national vision for sustainable mobility.
BEML’s Technological Edge in Urban Transit
During the conversation, Shantanu Roy spotlighted BEML’s capabilities in engineering and delivering indigenously developed, globally competitive rail solutions. These include Metro coaches, driverless train technologies, and cutting-edge rail systems – all aligned with the Government of India’s “Make in India” and “Atmanirbhar Bharat” missions.
He emphasized the company’s deep involvement in several ongoing and upcoming Metro projects, reiterating BEML’s focus on innovation, reliability, and sustainability in every phase of rail transit development.
Shared Vision for Smart, Seamless, Sustainable Cities
A key highlight of the meeting was the mutual recognition that next-generation rail infrastructure will be central to smart cities, creating efficient, seamless, and green mobility solutions. The stakeholders agreed that urban transit systems must evolve to meet rising passenger expectations, environmental challenges, and the need for scalability in growing cities.
The leaders shared a common commitment to enhancing commuter experience, integrating digital technologies, and enabling greater interoperability across transit networks.
Commitment to Collaboration and Progress
BEML reiterated its commitment to work closely with MoHUA, Metro corporations, and other national stakeholders to build a future-ready, globally benchmarked rail ecosystem. The company continues to play a vital role in powering India’s shift toward smart urban mobility and sustainable infrastructure, with the Bengaluru dialogue serving as a key milestone in aligning policy, innovation, and industry capabilities.
About BEML
BEML Limited (formerly Bharat Earth Movers Limited) is a Government of India Public Sector Undertaking under the Ministry of Defence. Headquartered in Bengaluru, it is a key player in India’s industrial ecosystem, engaged in the design, manufacture, and supply of a wide range of products for core sectors such as Defence, Mining & Construction, Rail & Metro, and Aerospace. Known for its focus on indigenisation, innovation, and self-reliance, BEML has played a pivotal role in national initiatives like Make in India and Atmanirbhar Bharat. Its product range includes metro coaches, heavy earthmoving machinery, military vehicles, and ground support equipment, among others.
BEML is also at the forefront of developing autonomous and smart mobility solutions, reinforcing its commitment to sustainability and advanced engineering.